Dunedin Dating social engineer Jane Metcalfe is bringing speed dating back to the resort at an event aimed at single people between the ages of 36 and 52.
Ms Metcalfe has been operating her dating service for more than three years in Dunedin, Invercargill and Gore and is keen to expand her services to the Lakes District.
She expects it will be a hit in Queenstown.
"For any singles in this day and age, it is hard to know where to go, where to look, to meet other singles in a safe and non-threatening way. . . With changes in how people live their lives, and the change in how communities work, there are very limited social functions where singles can feel comfortable about having a night out meeting some other new people.
"This may be especially true in Queenstown, where there is a meld of people in town, with both the locals and the more transient populations living and working side-by-side.
"Speed dating works really well to fill the gap for some singles, by providing a forum where people can get together for a fun and social night out, where one question they do not need to ask is, 'Are you single?'."
Ms Metcalfe said the targeted age range worked particularly well, beginning in Queenstown with the "middle range" of 36-52.
If there was a demand she would look to do future events in 45-65-year and 26-42-year ranges.
The main aim was to ensure all participants had a fun night, "reminding themselves that being social and single are not mutually exclusive".
"Many people make new friends and some people meet someone special."
Ms Metcalfe said she had introduced 200 happy couples, had seen 10 couples get married and by November would have celebrated the arrival of seven children, whose parents met through speed dating.
• For further details or to book for Queenstown's speed dating event next Wednesday, call Jane on 021-100-5771 or email jane@dunedindating.co.nz. The cost is $40, which includes a welcome drink. The location will be revealed upon booking.
