A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and granted the same rights as a human.

The New Zealand parliament has passed a bill recognising the Whanganui River, in North Island, as a living entity, making it the first natural resource to be given a legal personality.

The country's Maori people have been fighting for around 160 years to get the recognition for the river.

The New Zealand parliament has passed a bill recognising the Whanganui River (pictured), in North Island, as a living entity

It is the world's first natural resource to be given a legal personality. Prince Harry is pictured, right, paddling on the famous river with a Maori guide

It is of significant spiritual importance to the tribe who think of the river, mountains and sea as living entities.

The river is New Zealand's third-longest and will now be represented by one member from the Maori tribe, known as iwi, and one from the Crown.

The ruling means it will be entitled to representation in court proceedings.

New Zealand's Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson told the BBC some people might find it 'strange' but the decision was no different to 'family trusts, or companies or incorporated societies'.

MP Adrian Rurawhe, who represents the Maori people, added: 'The river as a whole is absolutely important to the people who are from the river and live on the river.

'From a Whanganui viewpoint the wellbeing of the river is directly linked to the wellbeing of the people and so it is really important that's recognised as its own identity.'

The river is New Zealand's third-longest and it will be represented by one member from the Maori tribe (pictured), known as iwi, and one from the Crown

The ruling means the Whanganui River will be entitled to representation in court proceedings

Members of the Maori community reportedly celebrated the bill passing by playing music in New Zealand's parliament.

The new status is part of the conclusion to a long-running legal dispute and the bill includes an $80m (£65m) financial redress.

The government will also contribute $30m (£26m) to a fund that will be used to look after the river’s health.