Neil's call to Kiwi women sparked more than 600 responses. Photo / Supplied

600 responses to dad's dating ad for sons on NZ holiday

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Wed, 9 Jan 2019, 1:42PM

LISTEN ABOVE AS AMERICAN FATHER NEIL SPEAKS TO LARRY WILLIAMS

One of the sons of an American father who placed an ad in the NZ Herald asking Kiwi women to date his three boys during their holiday here has revealed they were bombarded with 600 responses.

Neil, from Oregon, placed a classified ad in the Herald in December looking to set his sons up on blind dates with Kiwi women during their holiday from Boxing Day to January 7.

"We are from the States [Oregon], visiting your beautiful country. My wife and I have three wonderful, successful, handsome, alas unmarried, sons between the ages of 28-32," the ad read.

"We are not expecting, just hoping, to introduce our sons to nice NZ daughters. At the very least we'll embarrass our sons and the truth is, we do find some enjoyment in that."

The classified ad was placed in the NZ Herald in December.

Following the family's two-week holiday, youngest son Benjamin revealed they were left red-faced by the ad - but also confirmed they all went on a few dates.

"Between my brothers and I, we went on a few one-on-one dates," Benjamin told the Daily Mail.

"[New Zealand women] are very intelligent, kind, friendly people. We love their accents. They were a lot of fun, everyone we met seemed nice.

"I think we will continue to stay in touch with the people we met. We really want to come back - it was a beautiful country.

"Two weeks is hard to fall deeply in love. Matthew actually met someone so hopefully that's the start of something."

Neil's call to Kiwi women sparked more than 600 responses.

American father Neil was travelling to New Zealand for a holiday with his family - wife Mindy and their three sons Benjamin, Jeremy and Matthew. Photo / Supplied

But while he wanted to help his sons find love, Neil revealed the family was swamped with messages from Kiwis offering to catch up with the whole family and take them on "family dates".

Benjamin said while they found the ad hilarious, it turned out to be a great way to meet new people.

"We all thought it was hilarious, pretty funny and we appreciate that he did it. It was a pretty funny prank. We were a little embarrassed but it turned out really well.

"It was definitely a unique and interesting way to meeting people. We got to meet so many people and it's a valuable experience we will cherish - we all had a great time.

"Everyone in New Zealand was wonderful, we had people offering to show us around and even buying us beer during our holiday,' he told the Daily Mail.

"It was fun meeting families and women - we had such a good time on this trip."