In a landmark decision, New Zealand has granted Mount Taranaki, also known as Taranaki Maunga, the same legal rights as a human being.

This recognition makes it the third natural feature in the country to be accorded such status, following the Whanganui River and Te Urewera National Park.

Indigenous Māori regard Taranaki Maunga as an ancestral entity.

The agreement establishes that Taranaki Maunga will effectively own itself, with representatives from local iwi (tribes) and the government co-managing its care.

This move aims to address historical grievances experienced by Māori in the Taranaki region during colonization, including widespread land confiscation.

The pristine, snow-capped dormant volcano, standing at 8,261 feet, is a popular destination for tourism, hiking, and snow sports.

The newly passed law grants Taranaki Maunga all the rights, powers, duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of a person, recognizing it as 'a living and indivisible whole.'