Community Quirks

TAKAPUNA'S DAILY DODGER BECOMES A LOCAL LEGEND!

The town has banded together to honour a man and his peculiar daily routine.

By Sharon Ngatai, Riccarton Correspondent · Takapuna · 1 week ago

In a move that has left locals both bemused and charmed, Takapuna has erected a quirky shrine for ‘Dave the Loop Guy’, a man reportedly seen wandering the same waterfront track every day at precisely 3:27 PM. Renowned for his preposterously bright socks and the occasional wave to baffled pedestrians, he’s become the unexpected local celebrity – something we desperately needed amidst the traffic jams and house price woes!

The shrine is a delightful collection of mismatched sandals, a weathered map of his route, and an assortment of half-eaten pies from the local bakery – apparently for ‘fuel’. ‘I reckon he should have more pies,’ said one barista from a nearby café who frequently serves the man his favourite flat white. ‘You never know when he might need an extra burst of energy for that intense loop,’ he added with a chuckle.

Dave himself was reportedly oblivious to the shrine until a mate pointed it out last week, prompting a confused yet pleased shrug. ‘I just like to keep my steps up, man. No biggie,’ he remarked, before continuing on with his loop, blissfully unaware of the bizarre legacy he’s created. Locals are now asking if he’ll ever choose a different track — but we all know that would just be a ‘bugger’ for the neighbourhood!

So, if you’re in the area around 3:30, spare a thought for our very own Loop Guy. And if you see him, give him a wave. Who knows, this could be the start of a new Takapuna tradition — but let’s pray the council doesn't get any ideas about relocating the shrine to the main road. No one needs more of that chaos!

Reader Letters

Trevor McLeod

Look, I get the charm, but who has the time to stand around and watch a bloke loop the same track? I’d rather be home with my feet up than cheer on a sock fashion show!

Wayne Patterson

Honestly, I think the local council has too much time on their hands. Let’s just hope they don’t start a competition for the most creative shrine next. I mean, how can you beat half-eaten pies?!

Linda Chen

I think it's lovely that the community's come together for ‘Dave the Loop Guy’, but let’s not pretend he’s the first person to walk around the waterfront. He’s just got better socks than most of us!

Sharon Ngatai

Oh please, I admire his dedication, but the real hero here is the bakery for keeping him stocked with half-eaten pies! Can we get a ‘thank you’ shrine for them too? They deserve it more!