Ladies, bachelor still single
Matthew McAtamney is still New Zealand’s most eligible rural man — with the 26-year-old revealing he has had just one date since being crowned Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year.
McAtamney won the coveted Golden Gumboot at the agricultural event at Mystery Creek between June 14-17.
But despite being inundated with Facebook messages from women eager to meet him, the manager of a beef and deer farm near Fairlie, in South Canterbury, has been on only one date since nabbing the award.
Between 10-hour days on the farm and following the All Blacks around the North Island for the past few weekends, McAtamney has been busy.
But he planned to make time in the coming weeks to go on a few more dates.
“Life’s back to normal now. I suppose I’ll keep looking around until I find my match.”
He was looking for a partner with similar interests — sport and socialising — and not being afraid to get stuck into some farm work.
“Someone outgoing and fun, and a bit of humour always helps.
“I like activities, going away, holidays, waterskiing. I’m very keen on travelling, so if she’s keen to go overseas at some point that’d be nice.”
Honesty and spending time together were crucial to a good relationship, McAtamney said.
He initially entered the rural bachelor competition because of the prizes up for grabs — a Suzuki King Quad 750 4WD and about $5000 of vouchers from brands like Swanndri and Stihl — so winning was a bit of a shock, but he is now enjoying the attention.
“All my mates did [it] a few years ago and enjoyed it and recommended it because I’m single of course, just for a bit of fun.”
Although he’s looking for love, McAtamney is still a laidback southern lad.
“I’m not going to panic. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing . . . not in any rush.”