New Zealand Grants Legal Personhood to Taranaki Maunga

New Zealand has granted legal personhood to Mount Taranaki, now known as Taranaki Maunga, recognizing it as a 'living and indivisible whole' with all the rights and responsibilities of a human. This law, passed unanimously by Parliament, reflects the mountain's cultural significance to the local Māori iwi and is part of a broader movement recognizing natural features as legal entities. Taranaki Maunga joins the Whanganui River and Te Urewera as geographical features with personhood status in New Zealand. The legal framework includes a trust board with iwi representatives and a Ministerial appointee to manage its affairs. While proponents praise this as a step towards rectifying historical injustices, critics argue it raises absurd implications about the responsibilities of inanimate objects. The move is seen as part of a growing global trend towards recognizing nature's rights, echoing similar debates in other countries and municipalities.