The Edge is coming to the end of a month long search for New Zealand's next crush - Boy Band.

As the new era of boy band madness reaches fever pitch across the globe, the hunt is on for New Zealand's very own One Direction. The Edge put a call out on July 9 to guys aged 16-29 seeking fame, fortune and unadulterated adoration.

With hundreds of applications taken online at www.boyband.co.nz along with physical auditions in Auckland, Christchurch and finally Wellington tomorrow, young hopefuls like James Gill, 16 from Papakowhai are keen to impress the judging panel and online voters.

The expert panel includes Vince Harder (songwriter, performer, recording artist and vocal coach, who recently starred in Jersey Boys), and the team at Illegal Musik (behind such artists as K.One, Vince Harder, J. Williams and Erakah).

"I'm looking for young, vibrant, talented, disciplined and hardworking young men that are willing to be mentored, developed and produced into the 'next big thing'," says Mark Arona, CEO of Illegal Musik.

All auditions are posted online at www.boyband.co.nz where the public are voting for their favourites. The Top 10 will be selected and announced next week on The Edge.

The final 10 will group in Auckland on Saturday, August 18 where they will take part in a 'boy band camp'. This will be an intense week of training that includes choreography lessons with J. Williams, singing lessons with Vince Harder, styling and grooming tips, and media training to prepare the Top 10 for the head-to-head competition week where the New Zealand public will then vote for their favourite group.

Once the public votes, a group of up to five talented guys who can sing, dance (and have the look), will be chosen to sing songs written by Vince Harder.

"I'm looking forward to being part of this new venture. We know there are a lot of reality shows out there already, but I'm hoping to harness some of New Zealand's best raw talent and help produce something that we can all be proud of," says Vince Harder.

The band will then spend a week recording with one of the country's most esteemed music producers, NOX (Illegal Musik), creating their debut single to be released on Friday, September 7.

Warner Music New Zealand is also adding its support. General Manager, Phil Howling, says: "WMNZ is delighted to get behind Illegal Musik and The Edge in their hunt for New Zealand's next big music sensation."