Why A New Zealand River Was Granted Human Rights

In a historic move more than 100 years in the making, New Zealand’s Whanganui River has been granted the same legal status as a human being. The statute is the first of its kind across the globe, and hundreds of tribal representatives were involved in negotiations.

On 15 March 2017, the New Zealand Parliament enacted the Whanganui River Claims Settlement Bill. With this legislation in place, any harm done to the river is now on par with harming the Māori tribe responsible for its welfare.

‘I am the river and the river is me’

Whanganui is a city on the west coast of the North Island. The Whanganui River runs from Mount Tongariro to the sea, and is New Zealand’s longest navigational waterway. Local iwi (tribe) members hold their river to a very high regard. A common saying among the community is ‘Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au’, which translates to ‘I am the river and the river is me’.

It is customary for Māori to think of humanity as part of a wider universe, where one is equal to the land, mountains and seas. According to the Māori Party’s Te Tai Hauāuru MP, Adrian Rurawhe, the newly-enacted legislation holds true to these traditions.

‘From a Whanganui viewpoint the wellbeing of the river is directly linked to the wellbeing of the people and so it is really important that’s recognised as its own identity.’

Koriniti marae, Whanganui River, New Zealand

In brief: Māori tradition and rivers

Māori tribal association is very closely related to New Zealand’s fresh waterways. Early indigenous settlements were often built at the mouth of rivers, where people would find their primary food sources and navigational routes. Waka (canoes) would be crafted out of hollowed-out logs so that Māori could traverse and circumnavigate the waters. In present times, Māori pay recognition to their ancestry by invoking the name of their local river when asserting their identity.

History in the making

The Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Chris Finlayson, told the press that the bill marks the conclusion of New Zealand’s longest running negotiation.

‘Whanganui Iwi has fought for recognition of its relationship with the Whanganui River since the 1870s,’ said Mr Finlayson in a media statement.

Pūtiki pā on the Whanganui River in 1850

Two guardians will be appointed the responsibility of safeguarding the river’s welfare: a member of the Whanganui iwi, and a Crown representative. According to the leading Whanganui iwi negotiator, Gerrard Albert, the new law could set a precedent for other Māori tribal accords throughout the country.

It took three Parliament deliberations to enact this historic document. The full settlement calls for cultural redresses to be made by the Crown, including an apology and the protection of customary practices. Additionally, the government will pay a financial compensation of NZ $80 million, along with a NZD$1 million contribution towards establishing the full legal frameworks for the Whanganui River.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.