Petition request

That the House of Representatives legislate to recognise the oral agreement “4th Article” as part of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Petition reason

We believe treaties should be interpreted in the spirit in which they were drawn taking into account their circumstances, objects and purposes; that the contra proferentem rule and the US Supreme Court’s ‘indulgent rule’ (treaties with indigenous people should be construed ‘in the sense which they would naturally be understood by Indians’) apply; and that the oral agreement “4th article” protects religious freedom and tikanga, enticed Māori to sign, is part of the Treaty, and must be honoured.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 503
Date presented: 23 Feb 2024
Considered by: Petitions
SC Report(s): 13 Feb 2026 (Final)
Presenting member: Greg Fleming
Closing date: 30 Jul 2023