Award-winning British political satire show Spitting Image has returned to screens in the United Kingdom, and its latest series features a depiction of Jacinda Ardern.
The show, which features caricature puppet versions of politicians and celebrities from around the world, introduced an Ardern character playing the role of Mary Poppins in its first episode.
As the video above shows, the Ardern scene begins outside a cafe which is meant to be in New Zealand - although the set is so unlike Aotearoa they've had to cover it with New Zealand flag bunting just to get that message across.
"What a fantastic day in New Zealand - meat pies, a ginger crunch and a positive balance of trade with China," says a bloke sitting at a table outside, just to make sure the audience has got the message that this skit is about New Zealand.
"I know, but sometimes I think things here could be more fantastic," his female companion replies in a forced Kiwi accent.
Then a Mary Poppins-like figure appears above the Auckland skyline, complete with her iconic umbrella.
"Why it's Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern," the couple say in unison, in case anyone was still in doubt as to where this skit is going.
"Kia ora, children. What healthful weather we are having," the Ardern-Poppins says as she lands on the cobblestone street. "Not a spit-spot of virus to be seen."
Ardern is then joined by a tiny sheep which appears to be attached to the pole of her umbrella.
"Why, Jacinda Ardern, are you boasting?" the sheep asks.
"Practically perfect people never boast," the puppet Ardern replies, as the actor's accent moves to one that is more South African than Kiwi.
"We just get reelected forever.
Cue the music and a song. In this case, 'Super-Kiwi-socialistic-empire-of-Jacinda'.
"In a world of strong men a nice lady came along, I'm kind and young and kind and smart, and good and kind and young."
"When I became New Zealand's boss I knew just what to do, initiate a nanny state and turn our grey skies blue," the cast sing in unison.
"I banned all assault weapons and enforced a living wage, I gave birth to a child at advanced maternal age.
"I put us into lockdown faster than the Yanks and Brits.
"Now NZ's virus-free, we kicked it in the tits," the song continues.
It's here that the skit takes a strange and unexplained twist.
The party is spoiled by the entrance of a man who coughs, catching the attention of the Prime Minister.
"Do you know how hard it is to quarantine a country of two small islands with low population and a wealth of natural resources that renders us completely self-sufficient?" Ardern asks the visitor, before taking out a sword and chopping his head off.
"I am delighted to announce no new cases of coronavirus," the Prime Minister declares as the man's head drops to the ground and the dancing continues.
The new season of Spitting Image was commissioned by BritBox which is a video subscription service joint venture between BBC and ITV.
