Sure, but that is only a convenience the concept is that the river has it's own identity comes from local tradition. The law was recommended by the Waitangi tr

Sure, but that is only a convenience the concept is that the river has it's own identity comes from local tradition. The law was recommended by the Waitangi tribunal which is a body that redresses historical grievances by Iwi. Not only is the river now it's own entity which is not owned by anyone local Iwi received $80 million from the government and a $30 million dollar fund to improve the health of the river.