WHY NOT MAUNA KEA? -                         NEW ZEALANDʻS WHANGANUI RIVER GRANTED SAME LEGAL RIGHTS AS A PERSON

Time.com - By Kevin Lui - March 16, 2017

In what’s believed to be a world first, New Zealand’s government has granted a river the same rights as a living person.

The Whanganui River, considered part of the living landscape by the indigenous Whanganui Iwi people associated with it, has been granted legal personhood under a parliamentary bill, reports local news service Newshub. Two representatives from the local indigenous community — one appointed by the government, another elected by the community — will be entrusted with acting in the river’s interests.

The Whanganui Iwi have fought for this day for over 160 years, an indigenous MP told Radio New Zealand. “From a Whanganui viewpoint the wellbeing of the river is directly linked to the well-being of the people,” said Adtian Rurawhe, “and so it is really important that’s recognized as its own identity”

“I know some people will say it’s pretty strange to give a natural resource a legal personality,” Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said, according to Newshub. “But it’s no stranger than family trusts, or companies, or incorporated societies.”

In the precolonial era, the Whanganui River was a vital communication route for Maori people and it navigability attracted large-scale settlement in the Whanganui River valley. When colonists arrived, it was the most densely populated part of what is today called the North Island. For these reasons, the area is rich in Maori history and culture.

WOW - FEEL THE MANA

Hawai`i Island Ali`i Kalani`opu`uʻs `Ahu `Ula 
(Feathered Cloak) & Mahiole (Feathered Helmet) 
In Aotearoa About To Be Returned To Hawai`i 
After 237 Years.

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"THREE TO FREE"

There’s Three It’s Time To Free.

The People Want Their Nation Back, But There’s Something They Lack.

So What’s Beginning To Occur That’s Causing Such A Stir?

Watch This & You’ll Discover What’s Starting To Disentangle In The Polynesian Triangle.

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HAWAI`I - A VOICE FOR SOVEREIGNTY FILM WINS AOTEAROA AWARD

WAIROA, AOTEAROA - Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty Has Won the Mana Wairoa Prize in Kahungunu Marae, Nuhaka, Wairoa District at the Wairoa Maori Film Festival in Aotearoa (New Zealand.)

This prestigious award recognizes the people who help build awareness of the struggle for indigenous rights and for human rights through film.

The award went to the filmmaker, Catherine Bauknight and all people appearing in the film.

It was presented by Leo Koziol, Director of Wairoa Maori Film Festival, to Bauknight in Pasadena, CA, and Clifford Nae`ole, Cultural Advisor of the film in Maui, via Skype.

Bauknight worked closely with Nae`ole over the four years of filming throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty will now screen throughout Aotearoa with the Maori Film Festival.

The film premiered one year ago in June, privately at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC and publicly at the Maui Film Festival where it won "Audience Award Best Hawai`i Film."

The film also garnered “Best Environmental Film” and “Best Documentary Feature” at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.

The films goal is to share the journey of the Native people of Hawai`i, since the illegal takeover by the US in 1893, to sustain their culture, spirituality, and connection to the land.

HAWAI`I A VOICE FOR SOVEREIGNTY TO SCREEN AT WAIROA MAORI FILM FESTIVAL

WAIROA, AOTEAROA - Hawai`i A Voice For Sovereignty will screen Monday June 7th at 10:00 AM in Kahungunu Marae, Nuhaka, Wairoa District at the Wairoa Maori Film Festival in Aotearoa (New Zealand.) Everyone is welcome.

One of the goals of Hawai`i A Voice For Sovereignty by filmmaker Catherine Bauknight and the Native Hawaiian people, is to enlighten the world regarding the truth about a Free Hawai`i.

One year ago on June 4th, the film was released at a private screening at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

On June 21st it had its public premiere at the Maui Film Festival, and was awarded the Audience Award, Best Hawai`i Film.

Hawai`i A Voice For Sovereignty has also screened at venues in Hawai`i, NY City, Canada, Los Angeles, and Santa Cruz, CA.

Watch The Trailer Of The Pasadena Event