New Zealand's House of Representatives successfully passed the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Bill on Wednesday, giving the river its own rights and identity.
National Party MP, Christopher Finlayson, said the move was a significant victory for the country's Maori people who have been fighting for more than 160 years to get the recognition for the river.
"Whanganui Iwi has fought for recognition of its relationship with the Whanganui River since the 1870s,” Mr Finlayson said.
“Today brings the longest running litigation in New Zealand’s history to an end.”
A member from the Maori tribes, known as iwi, and one member from the Crown will represent the Whanganui River from now on in instances like court proceedings.
While granting legal personality to a river is unique, Mr Finlayson says the legislation responds to the view of the iwi people that the sea, mountains and rivers as having their own identities.
“This legislation recognises the deep spiritual connection between the Whanganui Iwi and its ancestral river and creates a strong platform for the future of Whanganui River,” he said.
The settlement brought an end to the country's longest-running litigation, with financial redress of $80 million included in the settlement.
FILE: Prince Harry poses with the Maori waka (canoe) crew before rowing down the Whanganui River, in Wanganui, New Zealand. Source: AAP
The Crown will also contribute $30 million towards a contestable fund to further the health and wellbeing of the Whanganui River.
“This is an innovative settlement," Mr Finlayson said.
"The Crown is committed to working alongside Whanganui Iwi to ensure the success of this settlement for Te Awa.”
Te Tai Hauauru MP, Adrian Rurawhe, congratulated the Whanganui people for shifting their dedication for the treaty settlement process in an emotional speech in parliament.
