Courtenay Place: Staying safe this festive season

Here are some things to know when you are out and about this summer.

Visit Take10

Take10’s late night safe zone offers a space to take a break from the pubs and the clubs, recharge, reconnect and rehydrate. They will be at their usual location on the corner of Taranaki St and Courtenay Place from 10pm to 3am every Friday and Saturday night. They will also be out on New Years Eve and the Courtenay Carnival at their usual location.

Wellingtonians can also volunteer at Take10 by getting in touch with them here. 

Reach out to Hāpai Ake

Hāpai Ake Safety Officers will be out on the streets throughout the holiday period (excluding public holidays) working closely with business, residents, and the central city community. Hāpai Ake are there to answer your questions, give local advice or help with something more serious.  

Know Your City Limits

There is a liquor ban in place in the central city, and having an open vessel in a public space may incur a $250 fine. People can refer to the bright orange signage across the city as a reminder of this. While bars will be offering alcohol, this is not to be consumed outside of the venues as Courtenay Place will remain an alcohol-free zone throughout the Courtenay Carnival.

Wellington Free Ambulance and Police support

Wellington Free Ambulance will be stationed on Blair Street during the Courtenay Carnival, along with Police and security on site to help ensure a safe time for all who attend. 

Stay in the know

To stay in the know of what dangerous or misrepresented substances are in circulation, sign-up to High Alerts early drug warning system. 

Drugs and Health Development Project Wellington will be operating their usual five day a week drug checking clinics throughout the summer festive season, but on reduced hours. This is a free, confidential service to ensure you can make an informed decision about if, how and where you take drugs. The hours are:

• Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 3pm
• Saturdays: 1pm – 4pm. 

You can find them at 233a Willis Street. For more information about upcoming clinics or information on specific substances, see TheLevel’s website. 

Some advice from the Council's Harm Prevention team:

• Respect people’s personal space: Keep your eyes, hands, and inappropriate comments to yourself. Everyone deserves to feel respected and safe. 
• Look out for your mates: check in regularly with your friends and whānau, and make sure everyone is having a good time. 
• Plan your trip: make sure your device is charged and you have a safe, reliable means of getting home.
• Know YOUR limits: remember intoxication is not the end goal. Drink responsibly, have plenty of water and kai. You can sit out of the next round if you need a break. 
• Avoid mixing: leave that one to the bartenders. Mixing any drugs ([including alcohol and medications) increases your risk of negative effects.
• If they’re out of it, they’re not up for it: people incapacitated by alcohol or drugs can’t consent.

Creating a vibrant city that feels safe for everybody is a priority for Wellington City Council and underpins our overall city vision. 2025 will see the introduction of our revamped City Safety Plan, which has a renewed focus and interventions that align with the Council’s vision to create a city where public spaces are inviting, communities thrive, and where people and whānau feel safe.   

Safety is everyone's responsibility, so look out for one another this summer.