Legal Standing for Nature in New Zealand

This chapter presents a case study on New Zealand, examining the paradigm of giving nature legal standing within the country’s judicial and legislative framework. It begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the discussion. This chapter then explores the Māori philosophy of a relationship with nature, emphasizing the profound connection and inherent value Māori place on the environment. It delves into the ways in which New Zealand law has affirmed this philosophy, particularly through the roots of the country’s environmental achievements as anchored in the Treaty of Waitangi. The chapter then presents two case studies – the Te Urewera Land Legislation and the Whanganui River Legislation – showcasing the innovative approaches taken to grant legal personhood to natural entities. It further explores the incorporation of Māori Indigenous traditional knowledge in sustainable development practices, highlighting Māori trade and the introduction of new measures of well-being and environmental protection. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the significance of giving nature legal standing and the implications for both Māori and New Zealand’s approach to sustainable development.