Oamaru Rockers testing their mettle

Oamaru nu metal band Special Neadz plan to give the audience at the national final of Battle of the Bands "a bit of Oamaru heavy".

The four band members - Ben Blair (32, lead guitar and vocals), Justyin King (32, rhythm guitar and vocals), Aaron Tither (29, bass) and Tony McCarthy (19, drums) - fly to Auckland today for the final tonight.

Special Neadz is one of 13 bands competing in the final and one of only three representing the South Island.

Haylar and Suede Arcade are both bands from Christchurch.

Special Neadz, whose members have been playing together for four years, progressed from a heat through to a semifinal and then the South Island final, all held in Christchurch.

It was the first time the band had entered the competition.

Mr Blair, who was "the boss", was also the songwriter and all the band's songs were original.

Sometimes they could work on one song for a month, trying to get the right sound, and, in that time, another song could "just fall out by accident", he said.

They usually practised every second night, taking a week off after gigs, but have practised daily leading up to the national final.

They planned to treat it as "just another gig", Mr Blair said.

He expected there would be a few nerves and they were keen to see the venue - the Kings Arms Tavern - and get a feel for it.

A couple of beers should help calm the nerves, Mr King added.

The group played locally, including at the renowned Penguin Club, as well as at out-of-town gigs.

They hoped to "make a dent on the world - or New Zealand at least," Mr King laughed.

"No matter what happens, we'll just keep going," he said.

The group was grateful for the local support they had received.

Anyone wanting to vote for the band could text Special Neadz to 787.

The winner of the national final will receive professional recording time, live appearances and musical equipment.