Website sets up blind group dates

A new dating service designed to take away some of the ‘‘fears and awkwardness’’ associated with blind dates is proving popular with Auckland singles.

Date With Eight is an eventsfocused dating service where singles, aged between 22 and 60, register their interest in upcoming events online and meet up in groups of up to eight people in Auckland.

Via the online portal, participants select events that appeal to them based on their age, what they like to do, where they like to dine and how much they’re willing to spend.

The dates include food and beverages and vary in price from $25 for a coffee date, to $60 for a cooking class. However, participants do not get to meet or see the other singles until they arrive at the date.

Aucklander Jess Page launched the company a year ago after identifying a gap in the market for ‘‘real human interaction’’ on the dating scene. ‘‘Prior to launching, there was lots of discussion around the negative experiences people were having with online dating and apps, it being time-wasting and in some cases quite unsafe,’’ Page said.

‘‘Although I can’t say I’ve ever online dated, I can vouch for blind dates. I met my husband on a blind date in London, which might be how the blind element of Date With Eight came about.’’

Dating apps like Tinder have come under some scrutiny for the risks associated with going on a date with a stranger.

‘‘People genuinely want to make real connections offline, rather than relying on technology, algorithms and psych tests for something as important as meeting a potential partner.’’

JACKSON THOMAS/ STUFF Date With Eight founder Jess Page says her company offers ‘‘safety in numbers’’ for singles.