Kaumaiti Nui, Travel Tou Ariki signs He Whakaputanga Moana calling for toora to be granted legal personhood Photo: Supplied / Cook Islands News / Melina Etches
Traditional Māori and Pasifika leaders have signed a declaration seeking to grant whales legal personhood.
The declaration seeks to protect the rights of whales to migrate freely, salvage dwindling populations, establish marine protected areas, and set-up a dedicated fund for whale conservation.
RNZ Pacific's Tiana Haxton reports.
