Green MP Teanau Tuiono introduces Bill to recognise the legal personhood of tohorā
A new Member’s Bill introduced by Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono seeks to fundamentally reshape how Aotearoa protects whales, proposing legal recognition of tohorā as persons with inherent rights under law. The bill draws on Indigenous worldviews, environmental law, and tikanga Māori to elevate whale protection beyond regulation and into legal personhood.
A Member’s Bill grounded in Indigenous guardianship of the moana
Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has launched his Member’s Bill to recognise tohorā (whales) as legal persons with inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity.
“Our tohorā are sacred ancestors for many communities across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, but they are under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and climate change.” says Teanau Tuiono.
“This Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana, to create a law that would protect whales by legally recognising their mana.”
What the Tohorā Oranga Bill would legally protect
The Bill describes te mana o te tohorā through five fundamental principles: Freedom of movement and migration, protection of natural behaviours, protection of social and cultural structures, right to a healthy environment, and the right to restoration and regeneration of habits and ecosystems.
Indigenous leadership and the legal recognition of mana
“Indigenous peoples are the enduring kaitiaki of our moana. When we follow their lead, we can protect our precious species and the places they call home.”
“The Tohorā Oranga Bill will recognise the inherent mana of tohorā and require decision-makers under a range of environmental law to recognise and provide for the rights of tohorā.
A shift in environmental law and marine protection
“By recognising the mana of tohorā, this Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana.” says Teanau Tuiono.
FAQ:
Q: What is the Tohorā Oranga Bill?
A: A Member’s Bill proposing legal personhood and enforceable rights for whales in Aotearoa.
Q: Why recognise tohorā as legal persons?
A: To protect whales’ mana, habitats, migration routes, and cultural significance under law.
