The 400 block is where the street thins out... and the characters get thicker. There are fewer shops here, which means each one has to magnetically bring the people. The largest educational facility in WestSide does half the work, servicing the students during lecture breaks. The businesses that trade out here have earned their position at the end of the line.
John's Bakery & Cafe is the kind of institution that Hastings takes for granted until it imagines it gone... technically in 300 West, it faces the 400 block — and so welcomes all the soon-to-be four-lane highway traffic from Taradale and Napier. It's been here. It's still here. On a Thursday, it will be full.
"Bliss Thai Massage is at the end of WestSide. After four blocks of walking, you might need it."
Bliss Thai Massage is a fitting end to the walk... or the beginning of the recovery, depending on how many blocks you've done. A Thursday appointment here, booked a week in advance by the regulars who know better than to leave it to chance.
Heretaunga Super Mart is the street's western anchor... bringing chicken and chips to the RSE workers, seven days, long hours and a product range that the workers depend on. The welcome is warmer than a hot handshake from the Incredible Hulk. Indispensable.
Four blocks. Fifty-nine businesses. A Thursday on Heretaunga West.
You could do it in twenty minutes if you walked fast. But then you'd miss the point entirely.