NZ's Got Talent singer Dane Moeke a hero

As the first six semifinalists in NZ's Got Talent hit the stage, barefoot Hamilton singer Dane Moeke has been revealed as a hero.

Dane, who drew attention at his audition for singing without shoes, rescued his best friend at Mt Maunganui last year.

Friends celebrating Dane's 21st birthday in February got into trouble at the surf beach.

Dane's friends were washed ashore but Dane's best mate, Harrison Jull, went under.

"Everything happened so quickly," Dane said. "The waves were going crazy and I turned around to see all my friends had been washed up on to the shore apart from my best mate who had disappeared.

"He wasn't the greatest of swimmers so I ended up going in after him and bringing him back in."

Dane joked Harrison was relieved his mate didn't have to perform CPR back on the beach.

Other semifinalists include single mother-of-twins Ari Laine, illusionists Andre Vegas and Company, tin-whistler Bethany Waugh, hip-hop dancer Connor Masseurs and 11-year-old Jessie Hillel.

How to vote:

Last night was the first of six New Zealand's Got Talent semifinal episodes.

For the first time, Kiwis have the chance to vote for their favourite act. It costs 99c to vote, by texting the name of your favourite to 8981. You can also vote via the NZGT iPhone app.

The top-voted act goes through to the final each week, with the judges deciding which of the next two highest-polling acts also go through. In all, 12 acts will be selected from the 30 semifinalists and one wildcard entry.

Those 12 will perform in a two-hour grand final on November 25. The winner will be announced on December 2.