FAQ

How much should I spend on presents?

The flexibility and organic nature of the project is its biggest strength. Santas give what they can. We are grateful for whatever people are willing and able to give.
In the past, some santas have been incredible generous. One year, a work team clubbed together to buy an Xbox for their children. 

Amy does try to ensure that children in the same family get the same santa or same type of presents so on Christmas Day the secret santa presents are all around the same value. 

Can I be matched with children who share my interests?

Yes! We love that this project is a way to match santas with children. Having santas and children with shared interests, collections or hobbies adds to the spirit of community caring and sharing. Please make sure to put your interests in the comments box on the santa form or email admin@huttcommunity.co.nz

There are children in our community who have amazing talent and passions but lack the resources to reach their full potential. We are particularly looking for a santa who can match a special child with a guitar. 

Can I just give presents without signing up?

We understand that people may want to buy extra of toys they are already buying for children in their lives. We welcome the donation of any new presents and we will give them to children.

Can I give vouchers or money?

We welcome vouchers from the warehouse, kmart or other shops that sell toys or food. Amy and Rita will use these vouchers to buy presents for nominated children. The kids really appreciate physical gifts. Please contact admin@huttcommunity.co.nz, rita@huttcommunity.co.nz or message Amy on Facebook to arrange.

We have an amazing fundraiser that aligns with our values. Deborah Hinde has kindly partnered with us to fundraise money by selling Enough - A story about community. If you buy directly from us over half of the purchase price will be used to buy presents for children. Buy books from us here.

You can also e-mail rita@huttcommunity.co.nz or facebook message Amy. The money raised by the fundraisers will be used for presents for children and Christmas hampers. You can also Pay It Forward by buying from us to directly give to children in our secret santa. These beautifully illustrated books share a beautiful message about community, kindness and the power of helping hands. Funds go to a Secret Santa bank account to be distributed to Kokiri Marae. Our bank details are: 38-9022-0569311-01

What if circumstances change and I can no longer participate?

We understand that circumstances can change. Please let us know as soon as possible if you can no longer be a santa at admin@huttcommunity.co.nz

What are the eligibility criteria for children?

Children must be aged up to 13 years old and live in Lower Hutt.

What if people apply fraudulently?

Amy has been organising this community Secret Santa since 2019 and has good methods for detecting fraud. We are also working with Kōkiri Marae Pātaka Kai who have extensive experience and networks for preventing fraud. We will keep data submitted to us private and they can advise us of potential issues.

The nature of the project also limits the scope of fraud. Caregivers pick up presents face to face or give us their address.

We want to be open so we can reach as many people as possible. The people who most need our support will be reluctant to apply and there can be many barriers to accessing other social services. We want to make meaningful change and help as many people as possible.

Will all nominated children get presents?

We try our best to match all nominated children with presents. Using online forms to sign up, creating a website and advertising are new this year. We do not know the scale of the demand in our community and if our santas and community can help all children nominated. Amy will monitor the number of nominations and if it far exceeds the number of santas, we may need to pause the ability to nominate children. Amy and Rita are trying incredibly hard to make sure that all nominated children will receive presents. 

How will my personal information be secured?

Your information submitted in the form will be solely managed by the Project Co-Ordinator Amy Doughty. Amy may consult with The sign up form information provided will be downloaded into a spreadsheet and securely stored by Amy until it is deleted at the end of the calendar year. We respect the privacy of santas and nominating caregivers. If you want future Secret Santa e-mail updates, please sign up here.

What information will you to give to santas and children?

Santas will be given a Santa Mail postcode which we give to caregivers in order to organise present pick up easily.

Santas are given the child's name, age and interests. Many santas like to write cards and label presents with the child's name. If you would like to keep your child's name private, please message Amy to arrange. We request the child's name for Amy's records so that she can ensure that the same child is not nominated twice.

Santas, please do not share your name with the child or children you have been matched with.

Do I need to wrap the presents? 

This is not required, but they are always wrapped or in a santa sack. We are always donated wrapping paper as part of this initiative, and we are more than happy to do so if you do not have any paper handy.  

Where and when can I drop off presents to/ pick presents up from?

We will work with you to make present drop off, pick up and delivery as easy as possible. You can message Amy or e-mail her at admin@huttcommunity.co.nz to arrange drop off directly. 

We have some designated drop off points so that santas can organise drop off according to their schedules. 

This year Kokiri Marae Pātaka Kai has weekday drop off points and Expressions Hair Design in Wellington has some drop off hours on Thursday night and Saturdays.
Please make sure that you have your present labelled with your Santa Mail number.

Monday-Friday, 9-3pm: Kokiri Marae has drop off and pick up at: 33 Wise Street, Wainuiomata.

Additional present drop off for santas:

Expressions Hair Design, 157 Wainuiomata Road, Wainuiomata
Thursday 3-8
Saturday 9-2.30

Forage Merchants of Wellington

Monday-Friday 8-4
Saturday 9-3
Sunday 10-2

We will update you as we arrange more drop off points according to availability of location and demand from our santas.