About Us

Hi! I’m Rachel Brant, and I have been running Speed Dating for several years now. Speed Dating New Zealand operated under the name The Choice Speed Dating for many years before my friend Sarah Gillard and I took over in 2019. Sarah brought her amazing admin skills to the role, while I used my teacher voice to good effect giving instructions! 

Over the years we have worked hard to make the events fun and popular, and have helped many people find new friends and relationships. We have worked with many different venues, and have offered a broader range of events. We love bringing people together in a safe and genuine way and take pride in providing a welcoming and inclusive space in which people can connect.

Sarah decided to step back from the business late in 2024, leaving me to fly solo. I look forward to running many more events, and helping many more people find love!!

A photo of Speed Dating New Zealand Founders Rachel and Sarah

Feedback/Success Stories

  • "Thanks for arranging the experience. While initially terrifying, absolutely a fun evening. Very relaxed, super nice people, and very professionally run by you and your team. And I got a result as well so even better! Well done and thanks."

    Michael

  • "Thank you Rachel! It was a really fun and safe environment you created. I enjoyed it a lot Xoxo"

    Maneesha

  • "I had an absolute blast. Even if no one picks me, that’s okay. It was a great vibe, run very well and the people were great! Thank you so much for putting it on!!"

    Vicki

  • “Just wanted to say—I had an absolute blast at my very first speed dating event last night! It was such a fun and refreshing experience, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to all my single friends (they’re already curious!). Can’t wait to join the next one.”

    Zoe

  • Ewen and Ros continued seeing each other since they met at our Kapiti event. They emailed to let us know that they were very happy together and had fallen in love!

    Ewen & Ros

  • Sara and Dallas came to see us at Pop to thank us for bringing them together at an event in May 2021. They had come along not really expecting to find love. It was Sara’s first tentative step back into the dating scene after having been single for some time. Dallas had come thinking he would be happy if he made a friend. After a few dates it was clear they had found more than either of them had expected. 

    Sarah & Dallas

  • "Thank you for a fun night out. I haven’t been going out for years, let alone on a date. It was quite overwhelming to speak to so many people in such a short amount of time. And I ticked on everyone who seems nice because I wasn’t able to make a decision right there whom might be a suitable match. Both my ex-husband and my late partner wouldn’t have been my first choice when meeting them the first time. You never know what happens if you give someone a bit more time. :) "

    Anon

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