New Zealand river first in the world to be given legal human status!
This is where i live. It's a town called Whanganui in the North Island of New Zealand. The river recently gained the same legal right as a human to restore and protect it.
The river, known by Maori as Te Awa Tupua, is the third longest in New Zealand.
Local Maori iwi, or tribe, had been fighting to assert their rights over the river since the 1870s, in New Zealand’s longest-running legal dispute.
This legislation recognises the deep spiritual connection between the Whanganui iwi and its ancestral river.
It deems the river a single living being ‘from the mountains to the sea, incorporating its tributaries and all its physical and metaphysical elements.
In practical terms, it means the river can be represented at legal proceedings with two lawyers protecting its interests, one from the iwi the other from the government.
Financial redress of $80 million was included in the settlement as well as an additional $1 million contribution towards establishing the legal framework for the river.
The Crown would also contribute $30 million towards a contestable fund to further the health and wellbeing of the Whanganui River.
Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox said "We have a chance to restore Te Awa Tupua to its life-giving essence and, in doing so, to gift back to the Whanganui River iwi their rightful obligations and responsibilities to the river that runs through their veins."
Awesome View!
Follow me @deliverance to know about Florida!
Hi, good to see more nzdrs joining, I too am originally from wangas, beautiful place
Hey! Sweet! lol. Yeah I been away from wangas for a while but whanau is here so I'm back for now. lol
Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/zealand-river-world-legal-person-170316091153248.html
Um ok. Thanks robot. lol.
The robots cost a bit to run from what I have read and more upvotes for the robots will fund future refinements and help with running costs, I also are following a couple
Congratulations @david-parker! You have received a personal award!
Click on the badge to view your Board of Honor.
Congratulations @david-parker! You received a personal award!
You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking
Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!