Disillusioned by dating apps, Bay of Plenty singleton Matt Cobb has launched speed dating events and plans to offer double and blind dates involving matchmaking; Married at First Sight NZ expert Jo Robertson reflects on the show and shares her dating tips. Singleton Matt Cobb was left digitally fatigued by dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, prompting him to go old-school and launch a mix of in-person dating events. Three months ago, the entrepreneur launched speed dating events at Mount Maunganui through his community events business, Whatever Company.
The events, run in age groups up to 50-plus, have been well received, prompting him to consider expanding them throughout the Bay and beyond and introducing new offerings, such as replacing the concept of TV Three’s Married at First Sight with Dating at First Sight, ie matchmade blind dates. He also hopes to run double “Dates with Mates”, where two single friends can support each other in meeting other single duos for activities like mini golf. He says having a natural way to meet people rehumanises them rather than hours spent on-screen stacking matches, messaging back and forth and planning to meet people who seem promising but aren’t — or ghost you (the popular term for cutting off all communication without explanation), and leave you with self-doubt.
He’s been single for three years and is often ghosted on dating apps once he shares that he is a 30-year-old dad of three. “In my age bracket, people aren’t ha.