Aotearoa New Zealand’s leadership in ascribing Taranaki Maunga and the Whanganui River legal personhood is celebrated as a unique step forward. But at the same time, Prof Ruru demonstrates how colonial countries can more meaningfully connect with Indigenous peoples. It was an enormous honour to join in applauding the 100 years of Forest & Bird’s outstanding advocacy and action for Aotearoa New Zealand’s lands, waters, flora and fauna. Most of these statutes are silent on things Māori, and I would go further in saying, hostile to Māori leadership and mātauranga Māori knowledge. • Colonial laws have done an enormous amount of damage to destroy and disrupt Indigenous peoples’ intergenerational responsibilities of environmental care and use.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 27, 2026 15:27 UTC