New Zealand prime minister responds to Ed Sheeran's citizenship request with a mini-quiz

Ever heard of Pineapple Lumps?
New Zealand prime minister responds to Ed Sheeran's citizenship request with a mini-quiz
Sheeran might just be in luck. Credit: AP/REX/Shutterstock/Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock/mashable composite

Ahead of his gigs in New Zealand in March, Ed Sheeran jokingly asked the prime minister if she could grant him citizenship. He got an unexpected reply.

Jacinda Ardern replied in video format to Ed Sheeran's "informal" request via her official Wellington Chamber Twitter account.

The first two questions are references to New Zealand culture. "Pineapple Lumps" are a kind of popular chocolate-covered pineapple-flavoured sweet, and "jandals" are the Kiwi term for flip-flops.

Ardern's third and final question, "Are you willing to make New Zealand your home" is more political. Her party ran on a platform of cracking down on wealthy foreigners essentially buying citizenship with no intention of becoming resident in New Zealand, most notably Peter Thiel, co-founder of Paypal and advisor to Donald Trump.

Ed Sheeran had best brush up on his New Zealand trivia.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
BTS fans, Spotify has a quiz for you
A screenshot of the Spotify BTS quiz on a smartphone.

The best mini PC deals for running OpenClaw: Save on Apple Mac mini, Kamuri Pinova P2, and Beelink Mini
Apple Mac mini, KAMRUI Pinova P2, and Beelink Mini on a pink and orange background

How to watch New Zealand vs. Afghanistan online for free
Captain Mitchell Santner of New Zealand

How to watch New Zealand vs. UAE online for free
Tim Seifert of New Zealand

How to watch New Zealand vs. South Africa in the T20 World Cup online for free
Aiden Markram of South Africa speaks

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

That wild 'Scarpetta' ending, explained
Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino and Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!