If comedian Stephen Colbert gets his way, he may soon become New Zealand's first president.
The comedian made a trip down under in October, with footage from the visit being shown on his show last night in the US.
In it, he discussed getting citizenship here, offered ideas for a campaign slogan for the PM's reelection bid and even caught Lorde out with a classic snake-in-a-can joke.
"All I think I was thinking about the entire time I was down there was I wish everyone could come with us" Colbert told viewers at the start of the segment.
"New Zealand is one of the greatest places on earth. The people are incredible, the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking."
As was widely shared at the time, Colbert's visit began with Ardern - who he called a "personal friend" - picking him up from the airport, before the two sat down in the Prime Minister's house.
"I've only been here for about four hours and I'm already having separation anxiety knowing I have to leave," Colbert told Ardern, floating the idea of being granted citizenship.
The two chatted about Ardern's reelection , with Colbert daring the PM to call an election now.
"I'm young but I'm not 12," Ardern said when Colbert made chicken noises at her.
He then suggested she campaign with the slogan "Ardern 2020 - New Zealand, same Prime Minister".
It wasn't all jokes though, with Colbert also bringing up his respect for how Ardern dealt with the Christchurch shootings and the Government's banning of assault-style military weapons.
"That was inspiring to us of those who live in the United States who deal with gun violence," Colbert said.
The pair then moved to Ardern's backyard for a "New Zealand state dinner" - i.e., a barbeque with sausages and white bread - with Clarke Gayford, the "first grill master".
Also there was Lorde.
"I'm surprised I've never met you before. Because you're famous and I'm famous, and that's generally how people meet," Colbert told the singer, before catching her out with a classic snake-in-a-box gag.
"Oh my God that's horrible," Lorde shouted when the fake snakes popped out of the can of "peanut brittle"
"The trip was worth it," Colbert exclaimed.
Colbert's visit cost taxpayers $100,000, though Tourism New Zealand estimates it to be worth $5 million in advertising.
