New Zealand river recognised as ‘legal person’

Britain's Prince Harry (second, right) paddling in a waka (Maori war canoe) on the Whanganui river during a visit to Whanganui on May 14, 2015. -AFP filepic

WELLINGTON: A New Zealand river revered by Maori has been recognised by parliament as a “legal person”, in a move believed to be a world first.

Under legislation passed Wednesday that combines Western legal precedent with Maori mysticism, the Whanganui river has been formally declared a living entity.