Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern rejects girl’s bribe to launch research into dragons

Victoria, 11, had attached $5 bill

Alessio Perrone
Tuesday 14 May 2019 10:31 BST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has rejected an 11-year-old girl’s bribe asking her government to fund research into dragons and psychics.

A schoolgirl only identified as Victoria had written to ask the government to make her a telekinetic, tell her what they knew about dragons and if they found any yet, so she could train them. She attached an NZD $5 bill (about £2.50) as a bribe.

“Received this in the post, turns out my littlest sister (11 years old) tried to bribe Jacinda,” her brother wrote on Reddit, posting a photo of Ms Ardern’s reply on official letterhead.

He added that his sister “strongly implied” that she attached the money as a bribe.

Jacinda Ardern replied on the letter on 30 April, thanking Victoria for getting in touch with the government.

“We were very interested to hear your suggestions about psychics and dragons, but unfortunately we are not currently doing any work in either of these areas!

“I am therefore returning your bribe money, and I wish you all the best in your quest for telekinesis, telepathy, and dragons.”

Prime Minister Ardern also added a handwritten note saying, “I’ll still keep an eye out for those dragons. Do they wear suits?”

Victoria’s brother speculated on Reddit that her interest for dragons and telekinesis probably comes from watching the animated film How to train your dragon and the series Stranger Things.

“This is so adorable,” another Reddit user commented.

“Save the letter for her 21st, it’d make a great memory.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in