Secret Santa Aotearoa
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secretsanta.nz
Secret Santa Aotearoa
@secretsanta.nz
710 followers 430 following 350 posts
The official account of Secret Santa Aotearoa running both Christmas #SecretSantaAoNZ & Mid Winter #MWSecretSantaAoNZ

App: secretsanta.nz
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secretsanta.nz
Secret Santa Aotearoa @secretsanta.nz · 1d
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas,
With sign up going live!🎶🎵

So here's the Bluesky Secret Santa AoNZ, with some friends from Mastodon along for the ride. We hope you are looking forward to some fun, and that we can bring it to you 🎄
Official hashtag: #SecretSantaAoNZ
App: secretsanta.nz
The Bluesky Mastodon Secret Santa Aotearoa New Zealand rules are: The FIRST RULE of Secret Santa is: Be kind, please. The SECOND RULE of Secret Santa is: Be excellent to each other. The THIRD RULE of Secret Santa is to closely follow these instructions: You must enter an up to date postal address (or PO Box) on the Secret Santa App. Your gift must be sent by Tracked Post / Courier by 5th Dec AND your tracking number loaded into the Secret Santa App. If your address changes after 19th Nov you MUST DM @secretsanta.nz If your situation changes and you can no longer play after the matches are assigned you MUST DM @secretsanta.nz If your gift is being sent to work, you must take it home as soon as you receive it in case covid/life gets in the way The FOURTH RULE of Secret Santa is you must post some hints for your Santa using the hashtag #SecretSantaAoNZ. Post likes/dislikes, hobbies, interests, current hyperfixations, allergies, sock size etc - important stuff. The more the better! Stuck on what to post? Check out what others are sharing on the hashtag. The FIFTH RULE of Secret Santa is: Put aroha into your gift and ONLY SPEND WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. It's the thought that counts is very much the foundation and spirit of Secret Santa. The SIXTH RULE of Secret Santa is: Opening Day is 17th Dec when you will open your gift and post videos or photos and much excitement! If you cannot do this date, please post in advance and again on the day when you will be opening. We understand that life might happen. The SEVENTH RULE of Secret Santa is that if you are disappointed in your gift, please do not post it onto your account. Let @secretsanta.nz know why in a DM and we can go from there.
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
witchnwords.bsky.social
#SecretSantaAoNZ is a great chance to get to know not only your future Santee but also everyone else taking part. I will be posting up questions you can reply to or quote to help with sleuthing.
(PS photos for this particular question are always appreciated)
Getting to Know Ya Do you have any pets? Red background with pohutukawa like holly across the top of the square. Text in white. Across the bottom are 6 cartoon versions of the Secret Santa team and the hashtag #SecretSantaAoNZ
November 10, 2025 at 8:14 PM
secretsanta.nz
Does anyone have any kind of list or data base here? #SecretSantaAoNZ
 annenz @annenz.bsky.social · 14h
Maybe we should have a guide to small nz businesses #SecretSantaAoNZ
November 10, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
witchnwords.bsky.social
And if you're on Bluesky #SecretSantaAoNZ side you can follow the feed which will pick up all the posts on the hashtag and even some typoed versions of the hashtag.
Follow the feed here
bsky.app/profile/did:...
November 9, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
witchnwords.bsky.social
If you're playing #SecretSantaAoNZ on Bluesky remember to follow the team and open DMs so we can contact you if we need.
You can find the whole team here
go.bsky.app/6amUyKW
November 9, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
witchnwords.bsky.social
#SecretSantaAoNZ has begun!
I'll be rolling out questions to help everyone get to know you from tomorrow.
Remember if you want to engage with the Mastodon peeps to follow @ap.brid.gy
secretsanta.nz Secret Santa Aotearoa @secretsanta.nz · 1d
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas,
With sign up going live!🎶🎵

So here's the Bluesky Secret Santa AoNZ, with some friends from Mastodon along for the ride. We hope you are looking forward to some fun, and that we can bring it to you 🎄
Official hashtag: #SecretSantaAoNZ
App: secretsanta.nz
The Bluesky Mastodon Secret Santa Aotearoa New Zealand rules are: The FIRST RULE of Secret Santa is: Be kind, please. The SECOND RULE of Secret Santa is: Be excellent to each other. The THIRD RULE of Secret Santa is to closely follow these instructions: You must enter an up to date postal address (or PO Box) on the Secret Santa App. Your gift must be sent by Tracked Post / Courier by 5th Dec AND your tracking number loaded into the Secret Santa App. If your address changes after 19th Nov you MUST DM @secretsanta.nz If your situation changes and you can no longer play after the matches are assigned you MUST DM @secretsanta.nz If your gift is being sent to work, you must take it home as soon as you receive it in case covid/life gets in the way The FOURTH RULE of Secret Santa is you must post some hints for your Santa using the hashtag #SecretSantaAoNZ. Post likes/dislikes, hobbies, interests, current hyperfixations, allergies, sock size etc - important stuff. The more the better! Stuck on what to post? Check out what others are sharing on the hashtag. The FIFTH RULE of Secret Santa is: Put aroha into your gift and ONLY SPEND WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. It's the thought that counts is very much the foundation and spirit of Secret Santa. The SIXTH RULE of Secret Santa is: Opening Day is 17th Dec when you will open your gift and post videos or photos and much excitement! If you cannot do this date, please post in advance and again on the day when you will be opening. We understand that life might happen. The SEVENTH RULE of Secret Santa is that if you are disappointed in your gift, please do not post it onto your account. Let @secretsanta.nz know why in a DM and we can go from there.
November 9, 2025 at 9:57 PM
secretsanta.nz
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas,
With sign up going live!🎶🎵

So here's the Bluesky Secret Santa AoNZ, with some friends from Mastodon along for the ride. We hope you are looking forward to some fun, and that we can bring it to you 🎄
Official hashtag: #SecretSantaAoNZ
App: secretsanta.nz
The Bluesky Mastodon Secret Santa Aotearoa New Zealand rules are: The FIRST RULE of Secret Santa is: Be kind, please. The SECOND RULE of Secret Santa is: Be excellent to each other. The THIRD RULE of Secret Santa is to closely follow these instructions: You must enter an up to date postal address (or PO Box) on the Secret Santa App. Your gift must be sent by Tracked Post / Courier by 5th Dec AND your tracking number loaded into the Secret Santa App. If your address changes after 19th Nov you MUST DM @secretsanta.nz If your situation changes and you can no longer play after the matches are assigned you MUST DM @secretsanta.nz If your gift is being sent to work, you must take it home as soon as you receive it in case covid/life gets in the way The FOURTH RULE of Secret Santa is you must post some hints for your Santa using the hashtag #SecretSantaAoNZ. Post likes/dislikes, hobbies, interests, current hyperfixations, allergies, sock size etc - important stuff. The more the better! Stuck on what to post? Check out what others are sharing on the hashtag. The FIFTH RULE of Secret Santa is: Put aroha into your gift and ONLY SPEND WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD. It's the thought that counts is very much the foundation and spirit of Secret Santa. The SIXTH RULE of Secret Santa is: Opening Day is 17th Dec when you will open your gift and post videos or photos and much excitement! If you cannot do this date, please post in advance and again on the day when you will be opening. We understand that life might happen. The SEVENTH RULE of Secret Santa is that if you are disappointed in your gift, please do not post it onto your account. Let @secretsanta.nz know why in a DM and we can go from there.
November 9, 2025 at 7:46 PM
secretsanta.nz
The wizards in the high energy magic building seem to have accidentally knocked a hole in the walls of reality and found a bridge through to Mastodon.

If you're wondering what having Mastodon players in #SecretSantaAoNZ looks like then here's a bit of thread.
orthanc.nz Orthanc @orthanc.nz · 7d
There have been a few questions on how #SecretSantaAoNZ will work with including Mastodon players. So a quick explainer for those that are interested.

In short, we're using Bridgy Fed that bridges Mastodon and Bluesky.

A little thread on that here:
orthanc.nz Orthanc @orthanc.nz · 7d
A quick explainer about Bridgy Fed. This is a bridge that allows people on Mastodon to see, follow and reply to accounts from Bluesky as if they were on Mastodon.

Or accounts on Bluesky to see, follow and reply to Mastodon accounts as if they were here.
November 4, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
witchnwords.bsky.social
#SecretSantaAoNZ
10th November: Sign-ups start 19th November: Sign-ups close 20th November: Matches announced 5th December: Last day to send 17th December: Opening Day Red background with pohutukawa like holly across the top of the square. Text in white Across the bottom are 6 cartoon versions of the Secret Santa team
November 3, 2025 at 3:35 AM
secretsanta.nz
The story you are about to see has been told before. A lot. And now we are going to tell it again. But different.
This time, we're bringing Mastodon in for the fun.

Sign-ups open on November 10th.
Check out secretsanta.nz for more information
Red background with pohutukawa like holly across the top of the square. Text in white reads #SecretSantaAoNZ Coming to AoNZ Bluesky & Mastodon Sign ups open November 10th at secretsanta.nz Find all the info on how to play at secretsanta.nz Across the bottom are 6 cartoon versions of the Secret Santa team
November 3, 2025 at 3:18 AM
secretsanta.nz
😶👀 #SecretSantaAoNZ
A teaser of an announcement graphic. Red background with pohutukawa like holly across the top of the square. Text in white reads "Santa's Coming. Announcement coming soon." Across the bottom are 6 cartoon versions of the Secret Santa team Graphic by Jaide
October 27, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
annamamho.bsky.social
#MWsecretsanta2025 thank you to my lovely secret Santa for the great gifts. Lots of careful work involved. The headband will keep me warm on my winter morning dog walks!
Me wearing a lovely hand crocheted headband.
June 22, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
rugbyintel.bsky.social
What I'd just say to you @secretsanta.nz, my coffee has never tasted more bitter.

#mwsecretsantaaonz #Muchappreciated
June 9, 2025 at 9:17 PM
secretsanta.nz
Lets call it 190 strong (a couple less but meh) & say what a great Bluesky start, Trended all day, a constant public stream of happy Giftees, Santas relieved, an absolute minimum of behind the scenes issues - we've had thank yous for our work but I just want to say thanks for being great players!
June 7, 2025 at 4:19 AM
secretsanta.nz
Follow, Follow, Follow
silkb.bsky.social Silk 🇳🇿🇪🇺🇩🇪☕️ @silkb.bsky.social · Jun 7
Thanks #MWSecretSantaAoNZ I am now one follower away from 200 😊
June 7, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
jaxy.bsky.social
#MWSecretSantaAoNZ
Thank you so much to all involved in putting this together.
It's been incredibly moving to witness the love and positivity today, and wow there are some talented folk among us!
An absolute boon for the soul, spending time on the SS timeline.
You're all wonderful. Xoxoxox🎄🎁❤️
June 7, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
orthanc.nz
We had 187 players.

4 super santas

A nice round 200 tracking numbers entered in the app plus a few more gifts that were delivered without tracking
June 7, 2025 at 2:34 AM
secretsanta.nz
Sorry for the lateness wonderful Santa! I had to nom the Kitkat immediately because I needed it to cut through th metric tonne of cheese I just ate. The Woolworths vouchers will get me a bottle of champagne and the decadence of 2 weeks in a row shall be delightful. Kindness & generosity thanks xxx
June 7, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
oblomova.bsky.social
Also, a little-known fact: the calories in chocolate don't count on snow days!
June 7, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
petrelstation.bsky.social
Seriously ugly crying for the kindness of my #MWSecretSantaAoNZ
It’s restored my faith in humanity a little bit #nzpol
secretsanta.nz Secret Santa Aotearoa @secretsanta.nz · Jun 6
#MWSecretSantaAoNZ

Mid Winter Secret Santa quite proudly the wokest thing you will find on the internet today

Just a bunch of virtual strangers spreading aroha and kindness in a literal sense - you will not find anything better, that ain't a challenge it's simply the truth!
June 6, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
verbscape.bsky.social
PSA: This also applies to liquorice.
June 6, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
thoughtfulnz.bsky.social
For those not part of the Aotearoa New Zealand Bluesky, who wish to vicariously share in the positivity, today is Opening Day for mid-winter secret santa, a nationwide volunteer coordinated gift exchange event, organised via Bluesky under the hashtag #MWSecretSantaAoNZ
June 6, 2025 at 9:04 PM
secretsanta.nz
PSA: It's Mid Winter Secret Santa Day so you may eat chocolate 🍫 at any time of the morning, afternoon or night*

Unless you are allergic or don't like it, then you may abstain
June 6, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
vcarternz.bsky.social
Oh no, i have been off bluesky for a while, will have to watch to rejoin! secret santa is an absolutely amazing thing. even wrote about it in newsroom a while back.

newsroom.co.nz/2024/01/04/v...
Victoria Carter: The birds and the bees
5 Wishes for 2024: For Secret Santa, hundreds of us would keep an eye on a stranger, walk in their shoes, and try to understand their lives.
newsroom.co.nz
June 6, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Reposted by Secret Santa Aotearoa
sachajudd.com
Today is the day! I can now reveal that (a) I cheated and opened my gift early because I'm a terrible person and (b) my punishment has been to sit on my hands and NOT REVEAL that I WON #MWSecretSantaAoNZ. I know it's not TECHNICALLY a competition but my Santa is in First Place (in my heart) 🧵
June 6, 2025 at 8:19 PM