In response to Aotearoa’s rising population of people living alone, Global Women Chair and Member Theresa Gattung’s latest venture aims to inspire and empower those underserved by mainstream dating services.
In an interview with Stuff’s Virginia Fallon, Theresa sheds light on the creation of Compatico, a matchmaking service for New Zealanders over 40.
“A lot of women start a business to solve a problem, and I believe this is a problem I can solve,” says Theresa, who founded the service following her own experiences of mid-life dating.
Research conducted by Compatico reveals that New Zealand women are less likely to use dating apps compared to men, and that single New Zealanders over the age of 45 are more likely to give up on dating apps altogether. While New Zealanders are often demoralised by current dating options, they have not given up on finding companionship.
Women are disproportionately represented amongst Aotearoa’s population of single individuals over 45, with this gender disparity increasing in our older population. Amongst individuals over 65, the number of single women is double that of single men. These numbers are predicted to rise, with Stats NZ projecting a nearly 20% increase in the number of one-person households between 2018 and 2043.
Compatico addresses this growing problem by providing a matchmaking service for mature singles that is private, secure, and personal.
“Dating, and mid-life dating in particular, isn’t elegant and yet we like to have elegance in other parts of our lives – certainly feeling safe at a minimum,” says Theresa.
The focus on client safety and comfort is woven throughout Compatico’s service. Clients are required to complete a detailed application form and undertake Ministry of Justice security checks before becoming members. An expert matchmaker then meets with the client to craft a unique personal profile for Compatico’s private database, accessible only to the matchmakers.
Clients can choose between two membership tiers. Platinum members are assigned an expert matchmaker who actively looks for matches, provides feedback and suggestions, while Gold members are able to be approached by matchmakers about potential matches within the community. Each membership tier grants access to events, experiences, and services, carefully curated to inspire clients and build their confidence.
“What we’re doing is a personalised, professional and mediated version of your friends setting you up,” says Theresa.
“If we can bring just a little bit more love into the world then surely that’s a good thing? Especially now when there really isn’t enough.”
Read the full interview over on Stuff.co.nz