A small, unassuming truck has become a beacon of hope for Wellingtonians who’ve had a few too many at the club. Since 2011, Safety charity Take 10’s $60,000 truck has been parking in the middle of the city’s nightlife strip, providing a safe space for intoxicated partygoers to get a taxi home.
A Community Staple in Jeopardy
The truck, affectionately known as the ‘drunk wagon’, has been a godsend for countless Wellingtonians who might’ve otherwise taken a risk on the night bus or tried to get home on foot. But now, Take 10 – the charity behind the truck – is facing a $100,000 funding shortfall, leaving the future of the service uncertain.
With a significant portion of the charity’s budget dedicated to maintaining the truck, which is now crumbling, Take 10 is struggling to stay afloat. The issue is two-fold: parking the truck on the nightlife strip has become more expensive with each passing year, and the required upkeep is taking a heavy toll on the charity’s finances.
Why the Truck’s Location Was Essential
The truck’s position in the heart of the nightlife district was a deliberate strategy designed to maximize its impact. By placing the service in a high-traffic area, Take 10’s team aimed to make it as easy as possible for people to access the service. In fact, the truck’s proximity to popular bars and clubs was a key factor in its success.
When people are intoxicated, they often don’t think clearly, and the last thing on their mind is taking a taxi home. But with the truck parked in plain sight, it’s a constant reminder that there’s a safe and reliable way to get home. This visibility has made all the difference, and the service has become an integral part of Wellington’s nightlife culture.
What this Means
The potential loss of Take 10’s truck will have a ripple effect on the community. Without this lifeline, more people will be at risk of taking unnecessary risks and putting themselves in harm’s way. This could lead to a spike in the number of accidents and incidents related to intoxicated partygoers.
It’s a stark reminder of the importance of community-led initiatives and the need for sustained funding to support essential services. Take 10’s truck may be a small part of the city’s fabric, but its impact is significant, and the charity’s efforts are a testament to the power of grassroots activism.
