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For the first time ever, M2 Events Ltd will be organising Auckland’s HERO Party. M2 (Mike and Marty) are the guys behind the very popular SALVATION and SEDUCTION parties.

“It’s been almost two years since we ran our first SALVATION party”, says Mike of M2. “This party was a huge success and since then we’ve organised numerous other dance events including the Above & Beyond party at St James last year and the recent SALVATION New Year’s Eve party. We’ve also introduced a new once-a-month club night called SEDUCTION.”

“The HERO Party is NZ’s ultimate poly-sexual dance extravanganza”, Mike explains. “Gay, straight, bi, undecided… who cares… it’s an excuse for a party and what a fantastic party it’s gonna be!”

“For us, HERO is like a natural progression from our current activities with SALVATION and SEDUCTION”, Mike continues. “We’re really excited about this challenge, and are looking forward to putting on an awesome event!”

This year’s party is being held on Saturday, February 26th at Galatos and / or Studio (depending on numbers).

“If earlybird ticket sales go well, HERO will span two venues and have an outdoor area joining the two venues together”, says Mike. “Just like a mini-Mardi Gras.”

“We want to almost double the size of the party this year by including a second venue. However, we can only do this if we get an appropriate show of support from party-goers”, explains Mike.

A decision regarding whether to use one or two venues for this year’s party will be made in early February. This decision will be based predominantly on ticket sales.

To encourage people to show their support for this year’s party, M2 are offering something new for HERO… earlybird tickets at a heavily discounted price ($45+BF instead of the standard pre-sale price of $60+BF). These earlybird tickets are only available until January 31st.

“Hopefully people will realise that buying an earlybird ticket will not only benefit them financially, but will also ensure they have a second venue at this year’s party”, says Mike.

“We’ve also made it much easier for people to purchase their HERO Party tickets this year”, Mike continues. “Red Tickets are our primary ticket agent, so this allows people to purchase tickets via the Internet (at www.redtickets.co.nz), as well as from over 300 Postshops throughout New Zealand.”

Tickets can also be purchased from local Books & More outlets, Marvel Menswear, DJ Station and the Women’s Bookshop.

“Internet ticket sales will make it much easier for people living outside of Auckland to buy their HERO tickets”, says Mike. “In fact tickets have already been bought by people from Sydney and Melbourne in this way.”

This year’s party-goers can expect an awesome night. Highlights will include:

Multiple non-smoking dance spaces.

Laser lighting by Oracle Lasers (Sydney). Oracle are the guys that do lasers for Sydney parties like Mardi Gras, Sleaze Ball, Frisky, Magnitude, Ruby and Toybox. They have also supplied laser systems for clubs like Home and Arq in Sydney and QBH Melbourne. Spectacular is the only word to describe them!

Visual projections by Wonderland Productions. These guys have done the visuals for parties like Chemistry, Slinky,

Godskitchen, Summerdaze, Deep Hard & Funky and Above & Beyond, as well as past HERO parties (including the Town Hall and Auckland Show Grounds). Expect the unexpected!

A spacious outdoor area using a street closure down Galatos St.

Top international and local DJs – including Alex Taylor (Sydney), Donald Bennett, James Leuii, Karl Moser, Marty and Mauri.

Fabulous shows – we’ll keep these as a surprise for now!

A separate women’s space

The music style on the main dance floor of Studio will be house – anthemic vocals, funky and pumping. HERO will also feature one of Sydney’s top DJs, Alex Taylor, doing a 3hr set. Alex is famous for outstanding performances at Mardi Gras, Sleaze Ball, Queer Nation, Gatecrasher, Two Tribes, Ministry of Sound, and too many others to mention.

“If we get enough support to open two venues, then the main floor of Galatos will feature SALVATION-like music… uplifting vocals & euphoric trance”, says Mike.

It is obvious that M2 are very passionate about their dance parties and if the quotes from their Above & Beyond party at St James are anything to go by, this year’s HERO party will certainly be a treat!

“The production was just amazing. Having a room that looks like something out of a UK Superclub really adds to the feel of the night.”

“I have to say that was without doubt one of, if not the best productions I have ever seen, and believe me I have seen em all… twice!”

“Good to see the promoters have a real love for bloody great parties … “

”...the bar has been raised and set to every promoter in New Zealand. It is going to be very hard to beat this night. So far in my opinion this was the event of the year. Thanks guys, keep it up.”

“In true M2 style, this year’s HERO will be both visually stunning and audibly superb”, grins Mike. “The perfect way to celebrate HERO’s 15th birthday!”