Second-highest peak in Aotearoa, formerly called Mount Egmont by European settlers, has its spiritual status formally recognised by government

New Zealand’s second-highest mountain and its surrounding peaks have been granted legal personhood, becoming the country’s third natural feature to gain the same rights, duties and protections as individuals.

Taranaki Mounga* (mountain) is one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world, and looms impressively over the flat Taranaki plains on the North Island’s west coast. It is believed to be the country’s most climbed mountain and has become a popular tourist destination.