The biennial speed-dating evening run by the Hinds Young Farmers Club has become a highly anticipated fixture, the club said in a media release.
In previous years it has attracted people from as far away as Blenheim and Cromwell. The 2018 version will be on February 17 at the Hampstead Rugby Club in Ashburton.
It was an opportunity to give online avenues a rest and try the old-fashioned method of meeting people face to face, the club said.
''The event is not necessarily about trying to tie down the person you want to marry, but getting off-farm and socialising.
''A series of two-minute speed dates will make for a wonderful time with plenty of laughs and banter.
''With mental health in the rural sector a growing issue due to isolation, any chance to gather and break the 'eat, sleep, work, repeat' routine is great.''
There are spaces for 20 men and 20 women aged 18 to 31. They do not need to be working in the rural sector - they have come from assorted occupations in the past, including accountancy and teaching as well as agribusiness and farming.
Tickets cost $30 and can be obtained by emailing hindsyf@gmail.com. Dating starts at 7pm.
There is also an ''after-party'' from 9pm, with a DJ and supper. Tickets to that are $20.
The evening will raise funds for the club and it hopes to be able to make a donation to a community organisations as well. It takes pride in contributing to groups such as the Rural Support Trust and St John.
The club covers the area from Ashburton to the Rangitata River and from the coast to Mayfield.
