The PM, the Doctor, and the Lizard Conspiracy

Politics can be a strange world, but few stories are as peculiar as the time a sitting Prime Minister had to publicly deny being a shapeshifting lizard from outer space. This isn't a plot from a sci-fi movie; it's a real-life incident involving New Zealand's then-Prime Minister, John Key.

In 2014, an Auckland man, Shane Warbrooke, filed an Official Information Act request. His query was not about economic policy or international relations, but something far more out-of-this-world. He wanted evidence to disprove the theory that Key was a 'David Icke style shapeshifting reptilian alien'.

When Conspiracy Met Comedy

The request, as bizarre as it sounds, actually landed on the Prime Minister's desk. Instead of dismissing it outright, John Key decided to meet the unusual accusation with an equally unusual, and distinctly humorous, response.

He publicly addressed the speculation, confirming he was indeed human. How did he verify this extraordinary claim? Key stated he had taken the 'unusual step' of consulting medical professionals.

• First, he visited a doctor, who presumably gave him a clean bill of human health.
• Then, in a move that truly elevated the absurdity, he consulted a vet. Because, naturally, only an animal specialist could definitively rule out reptilian characteristics.

Both confirmed his humanity, much to the amusement of the public and the media.

More Than Just a Denial

Key didn't stop there. He added further comedic flair to his denial, ensuring everyone knew where he stood on intergalactic travel and reptilian biology. 'I've never been in a spaceship, never been in outer space, and my tongue's not overly long either,' he quipped.

This lighthearted approach effectively defused a potentially awkward situation. It showcased a politician willing to engage with even the most outlandish theories, albeit with a healthy dose of humor.

The Wider World of Lizard People

The concept of 'lizard people' or 'reptilian humanoids' is a cornerstone of certain conspiracy theories, most famously propagated by British author David Icke. These theories often suggest that shapeshifting reptilian beings secretly control human society, posing as world leaders, celebrities, and other influential figures.

While largely dismissed as pseudoscience, these theories persist in certain online communities. They tap into a fascination with hidden powers and secret agendas, even when the claims defy all scientific and logical explanation.

A Moment to Remember

John Key's encounter with the 'lizard from space' theory remains one of the more memorable and peculiar moments in New Zealand's political history. It serves as a strange reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected questions can lead to the most entertaining answers.

It also highlights the unique challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, where any theory, no matter how outlandish, can gain traction and demand a response. And sometimes, the best response is a good-natured laugh and a trip to both the doctor and the vet.