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(Christchurch Star)
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Wow Factor

Variety is the spice of life for M Factor Events
company manager Maree Harris

The very busy 26-year-old runs her events company, is a primary school
teacher by day, and takes dance classes at night. She talks to Angela Waller
about fitting everything in to her busy career and the latest M Factor event
she is introducing to Christchurch.

I am from Rangiora. I grew up and went to school out there. I now live in Christchurch.

I am a primary school teacher at Rangiora Borough, my old school! Also when I was in seventh form I started up a dancing school in Rangiora and 10 years later I am still running it! I have about 100 students. Plus I own an event organising company called M Factor Events.

I started up my dancing school when I was at school and carried on to go to teachers' college and become a primary school teacher. Then two years ago I was ready for a new challenge and I love to organise things so I started up M Factor Events.

M Factor Events is an event company. I organise a range of events including cocktail parties, fashion shows, talent quests for children, fundraising events, singles events and corporate events as well. Variety is truly the spice of life!

I had a three-month working holiday in Sydney in 2005 and on my way back to Christchurch I decided that I needed something new in my life. I was teaching during the day and teaching dancing at night, but I felt like I needed something different. I love to organise and I love meeting new people, but working for someone else wasn't an option because I already had other jobs so it would be hard to work in with someone else's schedule. I first had the idea of starting up an event company that organised weddings. But after sitting around for dinner with a group of friends who were in their early 30s and all single, it inspired me to run a singles event. The first one was a Coldstart and then I had requests for speed dating! So by starting my own business it meant I could work nights, during some of my lunch breaks at school and in weekends to get it up and running. Because I love all the jobs I do, none of them seem like work so I have time for all of them.

Originally this was to help my friends who were single and I thought it would be a bit of fun. But as I started running the events I realised there was a definate need for these in Christchurch and singles needed new ways to meet other singles.

The exciting thing for me is when people match up at speed dating events. Every month the majority of people get matches and quite often I hear after the event that couples are still seeing each other. We have had four engagements since running the events, which is very exciting! I love getting emails from couples who inform me of their engagement. It is so rewarding when you think that you had a part in bringing them together. I also love seeing the end product of an event. Sometimes there is months of organising before an event and when you are at the event and see the final product, it is fantastic. A couple of my favourites would be the North Canterbury Bride of the Year last year and also The Hub children's fashion show. This is a success for me when you see all the children that model for the event. They absolutely love it!

I always host the event and we have other M Factor girls that help run the each event. Most of the girls are good friends of mine, so it makes the events so much fun! It's like a night out for us, hanging out and meeting new people.

For speed dating you have three minutes to talk to each person and then when the music comes on you need to move along. Every time without a doubt there are people who really don't want to move on. They meet someone they really like and they want to stay put and make sure no one else has a chance to chat to them. But unfortunately that doesn't make the flow work very well, so the M Factor girls are there to keep them chugging along!

My advice is to think of it as a fun night out and if you meet someone it is a bonus. Don't be too serious about it, otherwise you will be disappointed if you don't meet anyone.

I'm holding something that is huge in the UK and in the States and has never been run in New Zealand before. We get a bunch of singles together at a great location, for some great food. Except as everyone enters, we give them a blindfold and help them to put it on. From that point on, they lose one of their senses for three-quarters of the night! It's called Dating in the Dark! It's about meeting new people and using all your other senses (and other people!) to guide you through the night. The first one is at Zanzibar in Valentines Week and then they are going to be run monthly with events starting in Auckland and Wellington in March as well. I expect this will be just as popular, if not more popular than speed dating. It is a little bit quirky and Kiwis are always into having a go at something new. But the great thing is it is not only for singles, we are running Dining in the Dark at Soho where it is the same concept, but for anyone to attend.

Plus one of my favourite events is the Ronald McDonald House fashion show. This is an annual event I organise which we are running again in April. We always have a range of celebrities who model for us, which makes it fun. Popular models in the past have been Jason Kerrison from Opshop, Dan Carter, Corey Flynn and the kids always love Charlie and Serena from What Now! But the most exciting thing this year is that Opshop are going to play at the fashion show as well, which will be amazing and make it very easy to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.

Honestly the best thing is meeting new people. I think one of the reasons people come back to our events or recommend them to others is because we always take time to talk to everyone. I love running events for Ronald McDonald House. I have been to the house a few times and honestly once you have been in and met the children or met the families it really makes you want to help in any way you can. The staff there are just amazing. They are very strong people and I don't think I could do it, as I would probably just cry all the time. So this is my way to help out and raise money for them. I love how so many businesses are willing to help and donate for the Ronald McDonald House events as well.

Probably when people take it out on us when they don't meet their Mr or Mrs Right at speed dating!

To expand M Factor Events and introduce bigger events to Christchurch. Plus to open M Factor Events in Wellington and Auckland.

Shopping and travelling! I have just been to the UK and was in Europe last year and putting travelling and shopping together is truly a passion of mine!

Hanging out with friends and family is my favourite thing to do. I do work a lot, but somehow manage to involve my friends and family with it which works out perfectly! I stared up a Rangiora Borough teachers social netball team last year which was a lot of fun... although we didn't win a game! Plus my goal this year (after a lot of pressure from a friend!) is to run a half marathon. So running is a big part of my life at the moment.

Marc Ellis to entertain us and make us laugh, Robyn Malcolm because I think she is an amazing actress, Peri Drysdale who is an inspiring businesswoman and Brad Pitt, because he is hot!

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(Nor' West News)
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RMDH Fashion Show at MU Steakhouse

Photo's from the night from the Nor' West News

Cocktail Party Fundraiser
with Brendon Pongia

Photo's from the night from the Nor' West News

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(Outlook News)
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High score for dancing

Dancing classes in Rangiora have proved so popular
organisers have already scheduled another round

Dancing classes in Rangiora have proved so popular organisers have already scheduled for another round. The five-week long dancing class wound up last week with Aaron Gilmore, who danced Lorraine Downes into first place last year on the the TV show Dancing with the Stars and guest instructor, Good Morning Show host Brendon Pongia, a competitor in the television series, attending.

Organiser Maree Harris of M Factor Events said the lessons were a real success so they are doing more starting on October 3.

She said both men were a hit with the group and Pongia who attended on the final night danced with many of the women. The lessons were held at the Methodist Church on King Street in Rangiora.

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(Essence Article - July 30, 2007)
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Be careful what you wish for

I suppose you are wondering why I have a photo of
Brendon Pongia in my editorial.

This is very much a case of “be careful what you wish for”.
Do remember a couple of issues ago, I mentioned to Maree Harris of mfactor events how upset the essence girls were that Brendon had been dropped from Dancing with the Stars. We said, if we could, we would happily dance with him.

Well, it’s happening!! Yes Brendon is coming to dance with us. Better still Aaron Gilmore who won Dancing with the Stars with Lorraine Downes last year is going to give lessons first. All essence readers are welcome to join us – it should be a lot of fun. At the end of the fives weeks of dancing we have the opportunity to put our dancing skills to practice. A grand charity ball is planned for September 7th. The Ball which will be at the A&P Show grounds is a fundraiser for the Dudley Park Aquatic Centre and will be reminiscent of the Ball held in the impressive marquee in Victoria Park to celebrate Rangiora’s 125 years.

If you attended the last ball you will remember a fabulous night under the silk lined marquee, great food, dancing and a wonderful atmosphere – you won’t want to miss this one!

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(Outlook Article - July 21, 2007)
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Toe-tapping stars to hit town

North Canterbury people will have the chance to learn the leading toe tapping tips from two national celebrities.

Aaron Gilmore, who danced Lorraine Downes into first place last year on the TV show Dancing with the Stars, will be teaching adult ballroom dance lessons in Rangiora next month.

Good Morning Show host Brendon Pongia, famous for his “hip action” during this year’s season of the show, will make a guest appearance on September 7 – at an additional final lesson on the Friday after the five-week course.

Pongia said he would be demonstrating and talking of his “amazing time” on Dancing with the Stars. “I will be opening up the floor for people to ask questions,” he said. It will be nice to meet everyone and get involved as it is all about sharing my experiences – I am looking forward to it.” His advice to North Cantabrians was “have a go and do not knock it till you try it.”
Pongia said he was glad to be able to help motivate people, especially dance-floor shy Kiwi males.

“Ninety percent of people who dance are usually female, so if you are a single male it is the perfect thing to do.” Participants will be spared having to master a fast foxtrot or a raunchy rumba. “The class will learn three to four dances, cha cha, waltz, lazy merengue, and if we have time – a bit of jive,” Gilmore said. As far as shoes go, the big thing is comfort.” I don’t really recommend sneakers as they grip to the floor a bit much and can make it hard to move – for ladies a low heal is fine.”

Pongia will also be attending a charity cocktail party to raise money for Ronald McDonald house. The lessons will be at the Methodist Church on King Street in Rangiora.

Feeling Groovy

North Canterbury young performers were the stars of the stage for the second time in a row.

The second North Canterbury Talent Quest was held last week in The Rangiora Town Hall. Organiser Maree Harris said the talent was even an improvement on the inaugural event last year in September.

“The talent was amazing – it was really hard for the judges.” Thirty-five groups of singers, dancers and musicians performed for the heats with 20 acts going through to the finals two days later.

Caitlyn Busch, of Rangiora Borough School came first with her aerobics routine in the 10 to 13 –year-old category, winning $100. Second in the same category was Oliver Samson, of Kaiapoi, who wrote his own song played on his guitar called I Will. Georgia-Rae Taylor, of Ohoka School, came third with her jazz dance to Shania Twain’s Man I feel like a woman.

The Pollyfrogs who, with members from Amberley, Kaikoura and New Brighton, performed gymnastics, sung and played keyboard to the Crazy Frog song, was first in the five to nine-year-old category. Dancers from Hallswell were second in the category and the Rangiora Borough School junior dance group came third grooving to Push the Button.

10 - 13 age group winners - Front, Georgia-Rae Taylor (3rd)
Back, Oliver Samson (2nd) and Caitlyn Busch (1st)

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(Look out Article - June 30, 2007)
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North Canterbury Wedding Show
and Bride of the Year

The North Canterbury Wedding Show and Bride of the Year, organised by
Maree Harris of Mfactor Events, was held on Friday, June 22.

The winner of the North Canterbury Bride of the Year was Joanna Patterson. Joanna’s dress was design and made by Gillian Melhop. Second place winner was Christy Edwards who designed and made her own wedding dress.
Sascha Busch was the third place winner and Jane Stevens from Fabric
Vision designed and made her dress.

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(Outlook Article - June 27, 2007)
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Local bride takes prize

The North Canterbury Bride of the Year competition was
open to any bride – but the leading lady was a local lass.

Brides married within the past five years had to wear their original wedding dress, but were judged on their whole presentation on Friday night at the North Canterbury Wedding Expo in Rangiora.

Joanna Paterson, 26, originally from Rangiora, won the bride of the year award out of 20 competitors.

“I was not expecting to win at all – it was really fun and quite exciting.” Patterson said. She left Rangiora last year to live in Christchurch with her husband Tom, but her family all still live in the area. The Pattersons married in December last year and she word a dress designed and made by Gillian Melhop. Their bridesmaid, Brooke Nesbit, of Cust, also won the best bridesmaid award.

As part of their prize the Pattersons will be off on a second honeymoon to the Gold Coast for five nights courtesy of Holiday Shoppe in Rangiora and Pacific Blue. She hopes to take the holiday towards the end of the year to mark their first wedding anniversary.

Second-place winner was Christy Edwards, who married Reuben in April under the oaks at the West Eyreton Hall, in a dress she designed and made herself. Edwards received a returned TranzCoastal train trip to Picton. Sacha Busch came in third, fourth place was Lana Mclean and fifth Joanna Rodes.

Organiser Maree Harris said she will definitely now make Bride of the Year an annual event. The last similar competition in North Canterbury was held five years ago. Additional photos of the competition can be viewed HERE

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(North Canterbury News - June 26, 2007)
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Bride of year wins Gold Coast trip

Joanna Patterson won the Bride of the Year title at the
North Canterbury Bride of the Year event in Rangiora.

Joanna, originally from Rangiora, lives in Christchurch with her husband Tom. Joanna’s dress was designed and made by Gillian Melhop. Joanna won a trip for two to the Gold Coast with five nights’ accommodation donated by Holiday Shoppe Rangiora and Kaiapoi and Pacific Blue, and flowers from Flourish Flowers.

In second place was Christy Edwards, who married Reuben on April 7 under the oaks at West Eyreton Hall. Christy designed and made her own wedding dress. Christy won a return trip for two on the TranzCoastal to Picton, gorgeous flowers from Flourish Flowers and a wedding album from Creative Memories.

Sacha Busch was third. Sacha and Jane Stevens of Fabric Vision, designed and made her dress. Sacha won a night at the Heritage Hanmer Springs Hotel, donated by Holiday Shoppe Rangiora and Kaiapoi.

The winning bridesmaid was Brooke Nesbit, who was Joanna’s bridesmaid. Emma Derrick was second. The winning flower girl was Kate Fleming with Jenna Martin-McKenzie runner up.

The wedding show was also a big success, with some amazing exhibits, said organiser Maree Harris of M factor Events.

Top five finalists (from 5th to 1st, left to right) - Joanne Rhodes,
Lana McLean, Sacha Busch, Christy Edwards, Joanna Patterson.

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(Essence Magazine - June 26, 2007)
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Essence Weddings

It is the ultimate golden rule of any big celebration,
especially a wedding – “You can never be too organised.”

The Essence team, in conjunction with M Factor Events, proudly brings you this fabulous wedding guide crammed full of ideas and suggestions to make your big day perfect. The ‘North Canterbury Bride of the Year and Wedding Show’ will take place on Friday 22nd of June from 4pm-9pm, in the Auditorium of Rangiora Baptist Church on East Belt, Rangiora.

At 7pm, the coveted ‘North Canterbury Bride of the Year’ competition will be judged. These brides, who have all been married within the last five years, will have the chance once again, to slip into their gorgeous wedding gowns and become the beautiful bride once more. The competition includes a catwalk of all the gorgeous brides who will be judged on their hair, make up, wedding gowns and the overall appearance and presence on the catwalk. A show not to be missed for all those brides-to-be giving some fabulous ideas on different styles and looks. In addition, there is also a competition for bridesmaids and flowergirls which will also give inspiration for your special day.

The Holiday Shoppe (Rangiora & Kaiapoi) are generously providing the first prize of a fantastic second honeymoon to the Gold Coast for five days, with flights donated by Pacific Blue. Second prize are Tranzrail tickets for two, and third prize is a one nights stay at the popular Heritage Hotel, Hamner Springs. Judges for the Bride of the Year are Natasha Archer from Mod’s Hair Merivale, Martyn Viture from Face Stockholm and Frank Visser from Frank Visser Photography.

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(Outlook Article - June 09, 2007)
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Dancing Off

The Rangiora Town Hall stage will be set alight with North Canterbury’s young dancing starts next Thursday night.

The annual Xtreme Rhythm Dance Concert will be an action-packed hour of 15 American jazz and hip-hop dances and will be hosted by Tami Coffey of the TV show What Now.

The show was choreographed by Maree Harris who has run the Xtreme Rhythm dance school for 4 to 18-year-olds for the past nine years at the Methodist Church in Rangiora. Harris also started teaching dance at Rangiora Borough School a year ago and the school’s junior and senior dance group will take part in this year’s show for the first time.

The students get the chance each year to perform their dance routines and to wear costumes made by Harris.

Tickets are available from Ross Ditmer Appliances in Rangiora and the concert will get under way at 7pm on June 14.

Talent Showcase

The North Canterbury Talent Quest last September
proved so popular, organisers have put on another
showcase for the July school holidays.

Entries from school pupils can include singers and dancers, musicians, drama, gymnastic and aerobic acts and the likes, and must be no longer than two minutes.

“The radio station The Edge will be giving away great prizes and everyone who enters will have a chance to perform,” organiser Maree Harris, of M Factor Events said. “There are so many kids out there that are good at lost of different talents.”

Last year the band Jess Hix and the Hairy Fejoas, of Rangiora High School, won the 14-plus year category, Caitlyn Busch, of Rangiora Borough, won the middle age group for her aerobics act and Natasha Boon danced her way to win the five to nine-year-old category.

Heats will be held on Tuesday, July 10, and the finals will kick off at 7pm on Thursday, July 12.

Tickets for the heats are $4 and can be purchased at the door, and $6 tickets for the finals are on sale at Ross Ditmer Appliances, in Rangiora.

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(Christchurch Star - April 04 2007)
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The Look! - No Rules Apply

Finding a Style that suits you.

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Finding a style that suits you is more important than following a prescription for dressing, according to clothing specialist Martin Exon. He talks to Joanna Cuttance about finding a unique look that suits your personality.

What would you ideally love to wear? This is the question dressing specialist Martin Exon says women should ask themselves when they are wanting to update their wardrobe. When a woman has chosen the style she likes she needs to "tweak" it so that it becomes her own look, says Mr Exon, who is a part owner of clothing shop Honour and Obey in Lichfield Street. "You need to show your personality in your clothes," he said.

Mr Exon dressed three women of varying body shapes at the Ronald McDonald Fashion Show at Mu Premium Steak House and Bar last Sunday. He chose clothes the women would not normally choose themselves. "I wanted their friends who were sitting in the audience to say 'wow, I've never seen her wearing something like that before but it looks fantastic', he said.

Mr Exon, who used to be a retail business manager at Selfridges in London, does not believe in "rules" for dressing but he does have some advice. "Take jeans for example, there are different jeans for women, different fits and colours and it depends on the body shape which style looks best," he said. Often women who are slightly larger in size cannot find a fit they like so will buy men's jeans, he said. "Buying men's jeans makes them look solid. The jeans being straight all the way down makes the whole body look wide," he said.

When women look for jeans, they should start with what colour and style they prefer and spend time looking for the perfect fit. As they wear them, they will become a pair of vintage jeans, he said. "The longer they wear them, the better they become, he said. For a dressed-up look, black wide-leg trousers are big for winter and they look good on everybody, he said. "Because the fabric is soft, it hangs nicely, even if someone has a big bottom," Mr Exon said.

Often larger people shy away from wearing stripes, which are popular at the moment, but Mr Exon says women do not have to avoid stripes but rather find other ways to wear them, for examplek as a scarf rather then a top. With no rules to dressing, Mr Exon says women need to find a style they feel comfortable wearing, which gives them a unique look and expresses their personality.

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(Christchurch Star - March 23, 2007)
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When is an All Black not an All Black?

Dan Carter, Corey Flynn & Chris Jack
are about to hit the runway.

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Dan Carter, Corey Flynn and Chris Jack are about to hit the runway in a bid to raise money for charity. But don't mention they're All Blacks.

The trio are taking part in a Mu Charity Fashion Show on April 1 to raise money for Ronald McDonald House and have told the organiser that the media must not refer to them as All Blacks.

Maree Harris, who runs events company M Factor Events, said the rugby players were friends of hers and were happy to be part of the fundraiser if only their names were used. However, All Blacks media manager Scott Compton told The Star yesterday there "must have been some wires crossed". He said there was no issue with the references being made about them being All Blacks. "Certainly they are All Blacks, let's just start with that," he said.

Mr Compton said the relevant thing was that Carter, Jack, and Flynn were supporting Ronald McDonald House in a "private capacity" - not as All Blacks or Crusaders. He wasn't sure how the confusion occurred. "I wouldn't want to speculate," he said. Whatever the reason, the players will be modelling on the day, alongside Carter's girlfriend, Black Stick Honor Dillon, and Tamati Coffey, from televsion show What Now.

Clothing for men, women, teenagers and children will feature, together with a stylist from Lichfield St's Honour and Obey talking about what clothes suit different bodies.

In January, Carter opened central city Italian designer store Gas and business partners Lucy and Scandrett and Thys Brooking.

Mu Charity Fashion Show will be held on April 1, starting at 4pm. Tickets are available at Sergios; www.mfactorevents.co.nz or www.musteakhouse.co.nz at $30 for adults and $25 for children.

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(Christchurch Press - December 12 2006)
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Desperate & Dateless in Canterbury

Cantabrians lead the nation in internet dating.

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Cantabrians lead the nation in internet dating listings per capita, which poses the question: are Cantabrians more computer savvy or just more desperate?

In a survey of the website nzdating.com, it was found that Canterbury was over represented compared to the other three main centres.

Between the ages of 18 and 45, there was one female listing for every 959 people in Christchurch, compared to one for every 1815 in Auckland, 1439 in Wellington and 1411 in Dunedin. Expressed by percentages, Canterbury women are 89 per cent keener for a date than Auckland women, 51% keener than Wellingtonians and 47% keener than those in Dunedin.

There were many more listings for men, but Canterbury still came out on top, with one male advertisement for every 362 people. The next closest was Wellington, with one for 471 people, followed by Dunedin (521) and Auckland (562).

If Canterbury men and women are both super-keen, whats going on? Why aren't they getting together?

The owner of M-Factor Speed Dating, Maree Harris, said Christchurch people could be hard to get out and about. "The bar scene is not everybody's cup of tea and people get to an age where they can't be bothered with it any more," she said.

In the main-drought-stricken late-20's to mid-30s bracket, this is particularly pronounced.

Harris's year-old business used to see more women than men, although this seemed to be changing as men became more used to the brave new world of singledom, she said.

However, nzdating members, who spoke to the Press on condition of anonymity yesterday, have different accounts of e-dating's popularity. Ms X is a 35-year-old professional from eastern Christchurch. She tried the site about a year ago "as a bit of a laugh", but had since become a regular visitor. She laughs at the suggestion that people are trying to find love on the internet. "I wouldn't want to find my soulmate online".

Instead, she uses the site to meet people for friendship and casual relationships - which include casual sex. "I was just kind of a bit bored. It's a boring city," she said. "There used to be a lot of pubs and bands, but now it's just booze sheds and wine bars."

Another nzdating member, Mr Y, a late-30s self-employed man from central Christchurch, uses the site for casual meetings. He said the internet was "nice and discreet" - important for a married man like him. Mr Y estimates "65% of the women on the site are looking for love, and 90% of men on it are not".

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(essence article - Oct 10 2006)
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Looking for Love?........................

Looking for love in all the wrong places?
Too busy to meet new people?

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Speed dating could be for you!
If you're a North Canterbury single looking for a great night out, why not join in the fun at a Speed Dating event, to be held at JR's Bar & Grill on Wednesday 18 October.

Organised by M Factor Events, the event gives singles the chance to enjoy 20 "dates" - where they have just three minutes to find out as much as they can about the person opposite them before moving to their next potential partner. They tick a person's name if they want to see them again. If their name has also been ticked by the potential date, contact details will be passed on to both parties.

There are two age categories for the event - 22-35 years, and 35-45 years. Following the Speed Dating part of the evening, participants can carry on partying at JR's until late.

Marre Harris of M Factor Events has been organising speed dating evenings at Christchurch bar XO since the beginning of the year. "There is a huge demand for such events, particularly for the over 30s, who may be over the clubbing scene."

Maree says there have been a few successful matches made at Christchurch events - she knows of one couple still together after six months. "The people who have the best time are the ones who are open-minded, keen to meet new people, and have a good time. If they are looking for their future husband or wife, they might be disappointed."

Maree tells speed daters to write notes throughout the evening so they don't forget details about people, and reminds the girls not to leave it up to the guys to follow up once contact details are shared. "Whether romance comes or not - a speed dating event is great night out. Everyone is there for the same reasons, and it's a fun and safe environment."

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(Northern Outlook News - October 04 2006)
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Abundance of local talent on show

Local kids have blown judges away at a recent
North Canterbury Talent Quest run by M Factor Events.

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The turnout at her first event held in Rangiora, on September 27, was phenomenal, organiser Maree Harris said.

"There are so many talented children in North Canterbury, ranging from singers to dancers to actresses in the making," she said.

Thirty-five individual and group entries took to the stage and 22 performances made it through to the finals. Cash prizes went out to the best in three age groups - 5 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years and 14 plus - as well as tickets to the Dr Suess musical Suessical, dance tuition and CDs.

Jazz dancer Natasha Boon, who is home schooled, took out the 5 to 9 age group, and Ashley Cockburn, from Rangiora Borough School, came runner-up with a comedy tribute to Australia's Steve Irwin.

Rangiora Borough's Caitlin Busch finished first in the 10 - 13 years' division with her aerobics routine, and her fellow schoolmate Samantha Harnett came second with a drama act.

Rangiora High School teens took home a $100 cash prize, finishing first
in the 14 - plus section, with a rock band performance from Jess Hix &
the Hairy Fejioas.

"This is going to be a regular event at the Rangiora Town Hall, so look out for details on the next one in the April school holidays next year," Harris said.

View more pictures from the talent quest

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(CITYlife story - May 30 2006)
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Only Minutes to make a mark

reporter Joanna Cuttance gives speed dating a spin

Joanna Cuttance makes a new acquaintance
during her speed dating experience.

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Speed dating: Is this the way to meet your perfect match in just three minutes? Possibly, well I’m not sure but it is definitely a great way to check out and meet a lot of singletons.

Friday night, 7.30pm, XO Bar, upstairs on The Strip: 38 men and three minutes to be witty, charming and adorable with every single one of them.

Opting to wear boots, skirt and a flattering top while other women chose to wear anything from casual tops to dresses with high heels, I felt appropriately dressed.

The men were uniformly dressed in jeans and nice shirts.

Welcomed with a glass of wine, nerves were settled and the atmosphere was one of friendly anticipation. Many had come by themselves, others with their friends.

The men were sent through to take their seats and women soon followed.
Everyone was armed with a list of names and a pen to tick or cross that person.

Renewed nerves were quickly banished as questions, answers and
conversations flowed.

Standard questions were: What do you do? What are your interests? What’s your favourite movie? Other questions were: How would I approach a guy at a bar? And how many times have you changed your occupation tonight?

Cue Cards were also provided.

Nobody asked the dreaded question, why are you single?

I had a great time but not everybody did. Attitude was obviously the key. Those who were there to have fun and maybe meet someone nice had a great time. But those who were looking for “the one” became more negative as the evening progressed as they began to realise that “the one” hadn’t managed to make it there.

Did I find anyone nice? Yes, and not missing the opportunity I got his phone number there and then as I was not going to risk him not ticking my name.
But knowing the importance of covering your bets just in case something goes amiss with the favourite, I ticked a few extras just to ensure someone wanted to meet me.

On Monday morning I opened my email and there were 10 guys who all wanted to catch up with me. I am not sure what will happen from here but I do know it was a great nite and anyone who is single or new to the city has got to go.

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( CITYlife cover story - April 18 2006)
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New option for those
looking for a love-match

It’s arrived! Speed dating has hit town

Maree Harris
Director - M Factor Events

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A DATING phenomenon that is popular overseas and gives singles just minutes to meet a potential love-match has arrived in the central city.

Speed dating, which is being touted as a fun, affordable and quick way to find a partner, has been a huge hit in the United States and the UK. The craze has already arrived in New Zealand but until now, events have only run in Auckland and Wellington.

Danielle Hughes, 34, has set up Connect2 with her business partner, who does not wish to be named. They run their first speed dating event, for 13 men and women in their 30s at the Rootes Bar in Lichfield St last month and have another planned for 38 to 48 year olds on April 30.

Hughes, who is a team leader for a financial organization, said they had heard about the success of speed dating in America and Europe and, as single women, were frustrated with internet dating, bars and other dating avenues in Christchurch.

They also believe many busy professionals did not have the time “to find a date, get ready and waste an evening being polite.”

During the first evening, 13 men and women had seven minutes to talk to a potential match, before the bell went and it was time to move to the next prospect. They ticked the person’s name if they wished to meet up with them again.

“We found the females were quite fussy, but the males weren’t – they ticked almost everything,” Hughes said.

If two people indicated they liked each other they were given each other’s contact details and it was up to them to make the next move. There are six matches made on the first evening, which cost $39 for each participant.

Maree Harris, a 24 year old teacher, has set up an events company, M Factor Events, and will run her first speed dating event for 80-100 people on May 26 at the XO Bar in Oxford Terrace.

For $30, participants will have just three minutes to find out as much as they can about the person opposite them before moving to their next potential partner. They can tick a person’s name if they want to see them again.

She said there was a demand for such an event, particularly among those aged over 30. “I’ve got a lot of friends in need of a partner, especially those in their 30s who are over the clubbing scene and looking for something different.”

She also runs Cold Start singles evenings, where people meet up for drinks and nibbles. The next one, for people aged 40 and over, will be held at the XO Bar
on April 28.

Amy (not her real name) thought the Connect2 evening was tiring but great fun. She got one match, but is still waiting for him to call her back.

Wow Factor

Variety is the spice of life for M Factor Events company manager Maree Harris

RMDH Fashion Show at MU Steakhouse

Photo's from the night from the Nor' West News

Cocktail Party Fundraiser with Brendon Pongia

Photo's from the night from the Nor' West News

High score for dancing

Dancing classes in Rangiora have proved so popular organisers have already scheduled another round

Be careful what you wish for

I suppose you are wondering why I have a photo of Brendon Pongia in my editorial.

Toe-tapping stars to hit town

North Canterbury people will have the chance to learn the leading toe tapping tips from two national celebrities.

Feeling Groovy

North Canterbury young performers were the stars of the stage for the second time in a row.

North Canterbury Wedding Show and Bride of the Year

Local bride takes prize

The North Canterbury Bride of the Year competition was open to any bride – but the leading lady was a local lass.

Bride of year wins Gold Coast trip

Joanna Patterson won the Bride of the Year title at the North Canterbury Bride of the Year event in Rangiora.

Essence Weddings

It is the ultimate golden rule of any big celebration, especially a wedding – “You can never be too organised.”

Dancing Off

The Rangiora Town Hall stage will be set alight with North Canterbury’s young dancing starts next Thursday night.

Talent Showcase

The North Canterbury Talent Quest last September proved so popular, organisers have put on another showcase for the July school holidays.

The Look! - No Rules Apply

Finding a Style that suits you.

When is an All Black not an All Black?

Dan Carter, Corey Flynn & Chris Jack are about to hit the runway.

Desperate & Dateless in Canterbury

Cantabrians lead the nation in internet dating.

Looking for Love?........................

Looking for love in all the wrong places? Too busy to meet new people?

Abundance of local talent on show

Local kids have blown judges away at a recent North Canterbury Talent Quest run by M Factor Events.

View more pictures from the talent quest

Only Minutes to make a mark

reporter Joanna Cuttance gives speed dating a spin

New option for those looking for a love-match

It’s arrived! Speed dating has hit town

Variety is the spice of life for M Factor Events
company manager Maree Harris

Cocktail Party Fundraiser
with Brendon Pongia

Dancing classes in Rangiora have proved so popular
organisers have already scheduled another round

I suppose you are wondering why I have a photo of
Brendon Pongia in my editorial.

North Canterbury Wedding Show
and Bride of the Year

The North Canterbury Bride of the Year competition was
open to any bride – but the leading lady was a local lass.

Joanna Patterson won the Bride of the Year title at the
North Canterbury Bride of the Year event in Rangiora.

It is the ultimate golden rule of any big celebration,
especially a wedding – “You can never be too organised.”

The North Canterbury Talent Quest last September
proved so popular, organisers have put on another
showcase for the July school holidays.

Dan Carter, Corey Flynn & Chris Jack
are about to hit the runway.

Looking for love in all the wrong places?
Too busy to meet new people?

Local kids have blown judges away at a recent
North Canterbury Talent Quest run by M Factor Events.

New option for those
looking for a love-match