The demise of the Street Girl. Is this why?
daok
Adventurer

- Apr 15, 2025
- 78
- 218
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Recently, while strolling late at night through my vibrant city, as I often do, I wandered from K Road down Howe Street and along Hopetoun. Aucklanders (those in the know, at least) might recognise this part of a well-known block where cars once circled in a steady stream, seeking out night workers for brief encounters. These women would be picked up, taken to a quiet spot, and returned after a short while—then the cycle would repeat. The suspiciously tall women were in a street yonder, so I’m told.
Since COVID, this scene seems to have largely faded. So, I was surprised to see a woman, likely in her early sixties (still youthful), bravely continuing her work. I approached and asked, “Are you out here working?” It was a clumsy opener, as I couldn’t think of a better way to start. She shared that she’d been out for a couple of hours without any interest. I wished her well and continued on my way.
Then I began to contemplate why this is all but gone… Then I realised the price for a quick HJ or BJ hasn’t changed in 40 years. When I’m really in a rush and feeling cheap, I’ve been known to see a couple of sweet Asian ladies in Mt Albert who charge $40 and $60 for a HJ and BJ respectively (and there are other places advertised)… exactly the street price in the mid-80s, possibly earlier. Same as on the street now, I’d been duly informed. Compare that, for example, to inner-city house property prices, which have risen 50x in that period.
So are the cheapskates preferring a safe, quick thrill inside rather than run the risk of inviting a shadowy stranger into their car, or is it just not worth shivering in a windy, dark corner to scratch out a living? Whatever the case, an Auckland institution is dying and that’s a shame… I wonder if there is funding available to save its demise?
Since COVID, this scene seems to have largely faded. So, I was surprised to see a woman, likely in her early sixties (still youthful), bravely continuing her work. I approached and asked, “Are you out here working?” It was a clumsy opener, as I couldn’t think of a better way to start. She shared that she’d been out for a couple of hours without any interest. I wished her well and continued on my way.
Then I began to contemplate why this is all but gone… Then I realised the price for a quick HJ or BJ hasn’t changed in 40 years. When I’m really in a rush and feeling cheap, I’ve been known to see a couple of sweet Asian ladies in Mt Albert who charge $40 and $60 for a HJ and BJ respectively (and there are other places advertised)… exactly the street price in the mid-80s, possibly earlier. Same as on the street now, I’d been duly informed. Compare that, for example, to inner-city house property prices, which have risen 50x in that period.
So are the cheapskates preferring a safe, quick thrill inside rather than run the risk of inviting a shadowy stranger into their car, or is it just not worth shivering in a windy, dark corner to scratch out a living? Whatever the case, an Auckland institution is dying and that’s a shame… I wonder if there is funding available to save its demise?
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