This New Zealand Volcano Has the Same Rights as a Human Being – Here’s Why
Rising to 8,261 feet (2,518 metres), Mount Taranaki is a near-perfect volcanic cone surrounded by Egmont National Park, a striking expanse of lush forestland. The park’s circular boundary and the enchanting “Goblin Forest,” filled with twisted kāmahi trees draped in moss and liverworts, create an otherworldly landscape. Beyond its natural beauty, Mount Taranaki holds profound cultural and legal significance in New Zealand.
In a groundbreaking move in 2017, the New Zealand government granted Mount Taranaki legal personhood, recognising it as having the same rights as a human being. This landmark decision underscores the mountain’s cultural and spiritual importance to the Māori people, who view it as a sacred ancestor and an integral part of their identity.
A Geological Marvel
Mount Taranaki boasts a rich volcanic history spanning 135,000 years, punctuated by at least 16 significant structural changes. Its most recent eruption occurred roughly 200 years ago, but scientists estimate a 30% to 50% chance of another major eruption within the next 50 years.
Such an event could pose substantial risks to the more than 100,000 people living in the surrounding areas. Despite this potential danger, Mount Taranaki remains a treasured landmark, not only for its striking appearance but also for its ecological significance.
A Spiritual Connection
For the Māori, the mountain is far more than a geological feature; it is a revered ancestor and a vital spiritual entity. The Māori worldview sees nature—mountains, rivers, and forests—as living beings deserving of respect and care.
This spiritual connection is woven into the legends and traditions of the Māori people. According to Māori lore, Mount Taranaki once resided with other mountains in the central North Island. After losing a battle for the love of Mount Pīhanga, Taranaki fled westward, carving the Whanganui River in its wake. It now stands alone on the west coast, surrounded by the lush greenery of Egmont National Park.
Legal Personhood
Recognising this deep cultural and spiritual bond, New Zealand granted Mount Taranaki legal personhood in 2017. This decision was modelled on an earlier precedent set the same year when the Whanganui River became the first river in the world to be granted the same status.
Under this legal framework, harming Mount Taranaki is equivalent to harming a living being, akin to injuring a member of the Māori tribes who hold it sacred. The mountain is now represented by a group of eight guardians—representing local Māori tribes and the government—tasked with ensuring its protection and well-being.
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A Global Model
New Zealand’s recognition of Mount Taranaki as a legal person is part of a broader movement to afford legal rights to nature. This approach seeks to shift the relationship between humans and the environment from one of exploitation to one of guardianship.
The decision also reflects a growing awareness of the need to preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions in addressing modern environmental challenges. By granting legal personhood to natural entities like Mount Taranaki, New Zealand has set a powerful example for integrating cultural heritage with environmental conservation.
Preserving a Legacy
Mount Taranaki stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and law. Its legal recognition not only safeguards the mountain’s ecological and spiritual significance but also honours the Māori belief that nature deserves respect and care.
As the world grapples with environmental crises, the example set by New Zealand offers a fresh perspective on how legal frameworks can protect nature while respecting cultural traditions. Mount Taranaki’s status as a legal person is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a step towards a future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.
