KEY POINTS:
The countdown is on - MySpace New Zealand is set to launch in two days.
The localised site will be part of the American-based social networking portal MySpace, which has more than 150 million users worldwide.
MySpace currently has around 400,000 Kiwi users, a number that should grow dramatically with the introduction of MySpace New Zealand, according to general manager Rebekah Horne.
"What we've seen around the world is once we start to deliver relevant, local content, usage numbers increase dramatically," said Ms Horne.
MySpace Australia launched in August last year, causing user numbers to soar from 700,000 to 2.4 million.
"I would expect uptake to be even faster in New Zealand. Pop culture - music, film and fashion - really seem to be at the forefront in New Zealand."
Based on the localised Australian model, MySpace New Zealand will feature bands, gigs and events, specifically targeted to the Kiwi market.
To mark the site's launch, New Zealand rock band Evermore will play a "secret show" at Auckland's Studio this Friday.
The concert will only be open to MySpace members and will be the first of several MySpace events, according to Ms Horne.
MySpace chose Evermore to celebrate the New Zealand launch as the band are ardent users of the site.
"The boys get on and respond to fans, which is what MySpace is all about," said Ms Horne.
MySpace users can find out about more secret shows by adding secretshowsnz as a friend to their profile - www.myspace.com/secretshowsnz.
