Winston Peters has elaborated on his comments about bringing steel to the coalition government

Speaking to party faithful in Palmerston North, the New Zealand First leader called them the party bringing steel through the hard times, as well as experience and common sense.

Mr Peters says he's not talking about his partners being weak, but he is promising to deliver on their record, with co-governance one aspect.

He says they have an impeccable record of having said they're taking minds off the things Maori really want, like housing, education, health access and first world wages.