How a New Zealand mountain became a 'person'

The volcanic mountain will be protected by the government

A mountain in New Zealand is about to become a 'person', after a bill was passed in the country's parliament this week.

The official term is legal personhood, and it means the volcanic peak and its surrounding areas are treated with respect by the state, and given protection by law.

Taranaki Mounga is the second highest mountain in New Zealand, and is a big tourist destination in

The decision is considered a big victory for local Māori people, who consider the volcano to be sacred.

It's the third area of nature in New Zealand to be given these rights - in 2017 it happened with the Whanganui River, and the Te Urewera park was given person status in 2014.

Whanganui River, known by Māori as Te Awa Tupua, is the third longest in New Zealand

Who are the Māori people?

Māori are people indigenous to New Zealand, which means they were the first people to live in the country.

The Taranaki Tribe consider the volcano to be their ancestor

There are many tribes within the culture, and the Taranaki Iwi (meaning 'tribe') believe Taranaki Mounga to be sacred.

They believe the mountain is one of their ancestors.

What will the Taranaki Mounga get as a person?

Taranaki Mounga will be granted the same rights as an adult human.

That means it will be able to own property, pay taxes and challenge people in court.

A group made up of people from the tribe and the government will represent the mountain's interests.

The mountain and its surrounding peaks will also be given a Māori name; Te Kāhui Tupua.

It will be the first geographical location in the country to be referred to only by its original Māori name.

The mountain is apparently the most climbed in the country

It was named Mount Egmont by colonists (people who settle in a country that is already inhabited) but this name will no longer be used.

The minister for treaty negotiations Paul Goldsmith said: "This is a special day and an opportunity to right the wrongs … going back 250 years – to the renaming of the mountain and the many, many events in between."

The co-leader of Te Pāti Māori (the Māori party), Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said: "Today, Taranaki is freed from the shackles … of injustice, ignorance and hate.

"Today, we also liberate with our aroha [love]."