A river in New Zealand is now the first in the world to be granted the same legal rights as a person. The new bill recognizes that the Whanganui River, in North Island, is a living entity. The Maori people fought for over 160 years to get this recognition for their river and now the river’s interests will be represented by two people: one member from the Maori tribes, known as iwi, and one from the Crown. The recognition allows it to be represented in court proceedings. The settlement also included $80m (£65m) in financial redress and $30m (£25m) to a fund to improve the river’s health. Photo credit: Getty images
