Photo: RNZA Green MP wants tohorā/whales to be recognised as legal persons. In New Zealand, laws have been passed to grant legal personhood to natural features, allowing them to be represented in court and have rights similar to those of individuals. Green MP Teanau Tuiono Photo: RNZAs whales were under threat from commercial fishing, pollution and the climate crisis, a different approach to marine protection was needed, he believed. Actually, we share the planet with other species and with other sentient species as well. Members' bills are put forward by an MP who is not a minister and are drawn via a ballot system.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 05, 2026 20:58 UTC