Thursday, Mar 14th, Whanganui, New Zealand

Greetings!

There are only two rivers in the world with full legal person status.  Both are on the North Island of New Zealand, and we drove about half the length of one of them today.  Beginning on the northern slopes of Mount Tongariro (which we visited last week), the Whanganui River is New Zealand's third longest river.

But it is its central identity in Maori myths and folklore, and its location in the home of most of the Maori in pre-European times, which gives it its special treasure status. Finalizing 140 years of negotiations in March of 2017, a first in the world settlement was reached in the New Zealand Parliament which entitled the river to an identity "with all the rights, duties, and liabilities of a legal person".

The narrow road following the river is not an easy drive, and many choose to hike or bike it.  Our right-side steering skills were tested severely, especially when sheep-hauling and logging trucks came barreling around the tight corners.  Fortunately, there are historic sites in pull-offs that allow pacing and regaining your nerve.  One flour mill we stopped at reminded us of a similar one in Scotland.

To see the few other photos we took today, click on: Thursday, Mar 14th, Whanganui, New Zealand.