Jacinda Ardern has urged New Zealanders to adopt the “east coast wave” instead of the traditional handshake, and has demonstrated the greeting on national television to ensure citizens are onboard. Eight people have been infected with coronavirus in New Zealand and the government has responded with decisive action in containing the disease, banning mass gatherings of more than 500 people and requiring overseas arrivals to self-isolate for 14 days. Until last week the prime minister continued to offer a handshake – or hug – throughout the course of her day, but she has now transitioned to what she describes as the “east coast wave”, a meeting of the eyes, raising of the eyebrows and a subtle, upward movement of the head. New Zealand acts on coronavirus as Ardern warns of recession worse than GFC Read more Ardern grew up on the central and east coast of the North Island, where the greeting is particularly common. “If you don’t need to travel overseas, then don’t. Enjoy your own backyard for a time. Stop handshakes, hugs and hongi,” Ardern told reporters on Monday, asking them to demonstrate the east coast wave, after she did so herself, followed by her sign language interpreter, Alan Wendt. “The best thing we can do right now to show love and affection to one another is to switch to the east coast wave.” Ardern’s fiance, Clarke Gayford, also from the east coast of the North Island, posted on Twitter that Ardern’s preference for the east coast wave made him “proud”. Clarke Gayford @NZClarke in a rare fleeting moment of light, proof eternal that you can take the gurlz guy out of Gizzy......... but you can"t stop some of that rubbing off. Proud.#Gizzy4lyf https://twitter.com/radionz/status/1239457073886191617 … RNZ ✔ @radionz #WATCH The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was asked to demonstrate the East Coast wave. The PM, while announcing tough new border restrictions on Saturday asked people to, “Stop handshakes, hugs, and hongi ... the best thing we can do ... is to switch to the East Coast wave." Embedded video 1,003 11:33 AM - Mar 16, 2020 Twitter Ads info and privacy 97 people are talking about this Alan Wendt, Ardern’s sign language interpreter, also demonstrated the east coast wave while on live TV, and earned a lot of love on social media for his effort, with many saying his efforts were better than the PMs. “Alan Wendt is so great,” wrote Gayford.