Walking the talk: How the Council is working to create a safer nightlife

Their mission? To understand what it’s like in Pōneke at night, as people make the most of what’s on offer, and to see how they could strengthen safety and wellbeing in the heart of Wellington’s entertainment precinct.  

Members of the Urban Design, Harm Prevention, and City Safety teams walked through the city from 10pm to 3.30am.  

They also volunteered with Take10, a late-night safe zone on Courtenay Place where people can stop for water, charge their phone, or get medical help and advice from trained team leaders and volunteers. This allowed them to see first-hand how services like Take10 contribute to a safer, more supportive late-night experience.

Senior Responsible Owner for City Safety Sehai Orgad says that while major interventions are in progress, some simple, practical changes can significantly enhance public perceptions of safety—starting with better lighting. 

“We saw some areas that were particularly dark, like Lombard Lane and Te Aro Park, as well as shop awnings with lights out. We know that well-lit areas feel safer and help deter anti-social behaviour. So, we’re looking at solutions—whether it’s working with businesses to have lights on their awnings, adding more lighting to laneways, or working with Wellington Electricity to prioritise streetlight repairs.” 

The team also noted that bar queues sometimes block the footpath for passersby, creating potential safety concerns. They will be working with venues to figure out how to manage these queues better on busy nights. 

The role of Take10 in keeping people safe 

While volunteering at Take10, the team saw first-hand how the service helps keep people safe and supports those who may be vulnerable, says Sehai.   

“Offering someone water or a lolly gives them a reason to stop, take a breath, and chat with a peer.  

“It was also heartening to hear so many people say how great it was to have something like Take10 there for people who need it." 

Strengthening partnerships with Take10 and other night-time safety initiatives is a key part of the Council’s broader approach to enhancing the safety, wellbeing, and vibrancy of the CBD. 

A coordinated approach to city safety 

What the team saw on their Friday night is being fed into a wider coordinated effort to improve city safety.  

Since the walk, the team has identified some key areas of improvement: 

• Prioritising streetlight repairs in collaboration with Wellington Electricity 
• Engaging with businesses to improve awning and laneway lighting 
• Reviewing queue management with venues to improve pedestrian movement 
• Monitoring public space issues, such as bin collection and parklet seating 
• Strengthening partnerships with Take10 and other harm-reduction services 

Sehai says these practical actions are part of a larger, long-term strategy to create an integrated and enduring approach to city safety.  

“Creating a safer night-time environment requires coordinated efforts across public space design, venue management, and harm reduction services. Through the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan, we are leading the way by strengthening partnerships and deploying best-practice safety interventions to make Pōneke a safer, more vibrant city at night.” 

Have Your Say 

City safety is a shared effort, and we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or someone who enjoys our night-life, your ideas help shape our approach. 

Read the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan online and share your thoughts by getting in touch at citysafety@wcc.govt.nz. Or, you can sign up to our City Safety and Wellbeing newsletter on our website.