Groundbreaking New Zealand Law Wins Global Award
The Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act is recognized as a model for the future, grounded in Māori values.
In 2017, the Whanganui River became the first river in the world to be recognized as an indivisible and living being.
The Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act 2017 has been recognised as a model for “living in harmony with nature”
Award and Recognition
The law received the World Future Council’s inaugural Global Impact Award for 2025, honoring pioneering policies that influence legal and policy thinking worldwide.
- One of eight international laws and policy frameworks paving the way for a sustainable future
- Protects the rights of future generations
Author's summary: New Zealand law wins global award for harmony with nature.