Jacinda Ardern's heartwarming letter rejecting girl's cheeky $5 "bribe"
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has returned a $5 “bribe” from an 11-year-old girl who asked her government to conduct research into dragons and psychics.
“Turns out my littlest sister (11yo) tried to bribe Jacinda,” the girl’s sibling posted on Reddit alongside a picture of a letter from the PM’s office.
In it, Ardern thanked the girl – who is only identified as Victoria – for getting in touch with the government, but rejected her suggestions.
Source: Reddit (u/honeybee6992)
“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!” the letter read. “I am therefore returning your bribe money, and I wish you all the very best in your quest for telekinesis, telepathy, and dragons.”
However, the PM promised to “keep an eye out for those dragons”.
Victoria’s sibling explained that the young girl “wanted the government to make her telekinetic when they are able”, and was looking to see “what they know about dragons and if they had found any yet, so she could train them”.
The girl took inspiration from her favourite film and TV show.
“She does love How to Train Your Dragon,” the sibling wrote. “She also loves Stranger Things, that’s where the request for telepathy and telekinesis comes from.”
The prime minister office confirmed to the BBC that the letter – which was dated April 30, 2019 – was genuine.
This is not the first time Ardern’s office replied to a letter from a young constituent. In March, a Twitter user posted a letter from Ardern to an eight-year-old girl who had said it was “a good idea to ban dangerous guns” after the Christchurch terror attacks.
Thank you, @jacindaardern, from the bottom of my heart, and that of my 8-year-old. 💕 pic.twitter.com/h8rSUWOhIX
— Rachel Prozac (@rachelz) March 30, 2019
“I can tell from your letter that you are a kind and compassionate girl, Lucy, and I would just like to encourage you to keep spreading that kindness through your life,” wrote Ardern.