Roadworker 'Mr Wave' sparks joy throughout Eastbourne's coastal community
Since a major seawall upgrade kicked off in 2022, Eastbourne locals have been navigating an obstacle-course of road cones and single-lanes.
But among the sea of construction activity, they said it was impossible to miss Ciaran Hogben, a traffic management worker on a mission to greet every single car with a mana wave, a shaka or something more traditional.
His antics have made him somewhat of a local hero, with a post of appreciation about him on the community's Facebook page triggering dozens of comments - calling him a "drop of sunshine" and lamenting the days when he was not at work.
Resident Brendon Walton.
Photo:
RNZ / Mark Papalii
Resident Brendon Walton said "the bugger" was worth his weight in gold.
Speaking to RNZ Walton said he was impressed by Hogben's work ethic, his commitment to making eye-contact and ensuring everyone got a wave.
"Mr Wave we call him... he's a character - sort of can't stop waving at people, he's great."
Ciaran Hogben aka Mr Wave.
Photo:
RNZ / MARK PAPALII
Other locals described Hogben as a "smiley guy" while shopkeeper Richard Lai said you couldn't help but wave back.
"I wave to him every day, it is quite funny - he must get a very sore arm after a while.
"I have a laugh to myself, like 'Oh god', [but] he's still waving to the people in front of him and behind - he's the friendliest guy out there."
Shopkeeper Richard Lai.
Photo:
RNZ / Mark Papalii
So what's behind Hogben's wave? Turned out a sleepless night and desire to keep drivers safe.
"One day I showed up to work with only about four hours of sleep, and I was like, 'If I don't do something to keep awake, I'm probably going to cause an accident'," he laughed.
"So, I started waving at every one and that kept me up."
Ciaran Hogben said the initial reaction of, "that guy's weird" didn't last long.
Photo:
RNZ / MARK PAPALII
Hogben said the initial reaction of, "that guy's weird" didn't last long, drivers started waving back and since then the greetings and gestures have become more animated.
"I try to match the energy of the people coming towards me. Usually I just give a little wave, but then if they hit me with a [mana wave], I'll hit them back.
"Other people have blown me kisses, that took me off guard at first, but I've given a few back. When I can."
He said one local had even sent a message of appreciation to his employer, and gifts in the form of food have been showing up from residents who appreciate the joy he's spreading.
"One lady, super friendly, she stopped by and she said, 'This is thanks for making everyone's day and just being really happy'.
"She dropped off some fish and chips, a burger and an energy drink. I was like, 'Oh sweet!'."
Locals say Ciaran Hogben's antics have made the roadworks more bearable.
Photo:
RNZ / MARK PAPALII
Hogben said while some of the crew had also taken up a spot of waving he speculated most were a little too embarrassed - something he was no longer afflicted by at his age, 31.
Site supervisor Geraint Lewis said he was glad to see Hogben entertaining the public - making people smile and setting them up for a good day.
What's more, locals said Hogben's antics have made the roadworks more bearable, with one person claiming Hogben's exuberance had him forgetting the frustration of the traffic jams.
Resident Brendon Walton admitted the wait times at traffic stops did wear him down a little bit.
"So, leaving the site with a positive experience from this guy, I think it's great."
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