New Zealand river declared 'legal person'

WELLINGTON - A New Zealand river revered by Maori has been recognized by parliament as a "legal person", in a move believed to be a world first.

Under legislation passed on Wednesday that combines Western legal precedent with Maori mysticism, the Whanganui River has been formally declared a living entity.

"(It) will have its own legal identity with all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person," Attorney-General Chris Finlayson said.