Scoop.co.nz is reporting:

Two lucky bands are destined for true rock-star status when they open each of the IRON MAIDEN New Zealand concerts with a 30 minute set at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on February 20th and Christchurch's AMI Stadium on February 21st.

The Rock radio station is running a competition from 14th December to 18th January to find two bands that can rock the stage in true Iron Maiden style - one for the Auckland concert and one for the Christchurch concert. Budding rock stars need to register their bands at www.therock.net.nz. This can be via myspace or website, or by sending a CD or bio to The Rock, Private Bag 47560, Ponsonby, Auckland. To be eligible bands must be able to play a full 30 minute set.

A panel of industry experts will sort through all the entries and choose eight finalists. From 18th to 24th January the eight finalists will be featured on The Rock website (www.therock.net.nz) and on The Axe Attack show on Sunday's from 8pm-11pm. Listeners will be encouraged to go online and vote for their favorite band. The final judging will be made up of 50% listeners and 50% the judge's decision. The two winners, one for the Auckland concert and one for the Christchurch concert, will be announced by Paul Martin live on air.

Following the huge success of their spectacular Somewhere Back In Time World Tour 08 Iron Maiden are taking to the skies for the final leg of the tour, with two nights in New Zealand: Friday, February 20th at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland and Saturday, February 21st at AMI Stadium, Christchurch.

This is Iron Maiden's first visit to NZ since 1992. According to band founder Steve Harris the guys are stoked to finally be heading down-under.

"When we decided to do this last leg of the tour we felt that despite the distance we just had to get there [New Zealand] as we heard how disappointed our fans were to be missed out. The set list will be a bit different to the shows we have done so far on this tour as we will include a few more songs from the first four albums. This tour is likely to be the last time we play many of these songs live so we really will be giving it everything we have got!" says Harris.

Iron Maiden's New Zealand tour dates:

February

20 - Mt Smart Stadium - Auckland
21 - AMI Stadium - Christchurch

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketek.co.nz or 0800 TICKETEK.

(Thanks www.maidenfans.com)