Auckland Council is supporting the launch of a new pilot initiative aiming to keep rangatahi and others safe on nights out in Auckland’s city centre.
Take 10 is a pilot project offering a welcoming space outside Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, on Friday and Saturday nights, from 10pm to 3am, starting during university O Week semester 2. The initiative aims to give rangatahi and others in the city centre a safe, non-judgmental environment when they’re out at night.
“We want people to feel safe and supported in their city. Take 10 is there if things go wrong, or if someone just needs a moment to themselves,” says Council Director Community, Rachel Kelleher.
Take 10 Auckland is a drop-in space with water, phone chargers, beanbags, and friendly volunteers trained to offer support. Whether someone’s lost their mates, wants to wait for an Uber, or simply needs a safe place to sit, Take 10 is there to help.
The initiative is part the City Centre Safety Plan and is backed by the city centre targeted rate. It’s delivered in partnership with the Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust (VSCT), which has successfully run a similar service in Wellington for more than eight years.
“We are excited to bring Take 10 to Auckland with a 10-week pilot supported by Auckland Council. We’re looking forward to setting up in a new city with the opportunity to support people in Auckland, as well as in Wellington, to have great, safe nights out,” says VSCT Operations Manager, Leigh Keown.
The Council says Take 10 is a simple, low-key space that helps reduce harm and build trust, delivered in a way that responds to feedback from both young people and the wider community.
“We want to create a city that cares for its people, one that reflects the manaakitanga we want all residents and visitors to feel. With proven results in Wellington, we’re excited to see the impact this can have here in Tāmaki Makaurau,” said Ms Kelleher.
“It’s about meeting people where they’re at, when they might feel vulnerable or unsure of what to do next. Take 10 provides a safe space for connection, even just a glass of water and a chat can make a huge difference.”
Freyberg Place was selected as the pilot location due to its central position and connection to Ellen Melville Centre as a community hub. The programme was informed by local feedback and developed with support from council staff, universities, and local wellbeing services.
The service also supports the city’s hospitality venues and frontline responders, offering an alternative option for those who may not be able to get into a venue or need a safe place to wait.
With more than 50,000 students studying in the city centre each year, the pilot is also part of a broader push to ensure Tāmaki Makaurau is seen as one of the best cities in Australasia for student experience.
Take 10 opens Friday 18 July. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit the VCS website.
