UPDATED 4.04pm Winston Peters is willing to be the first to re-enter the Pike River mine.

LISTEN ABOVE: Winston Peters talks to Larry Williams

The New Zealand First leader told families of the 29 miners who perished there in 2010 that he's willing to go into the mine which he believes is now safe to re-enter.

Mr Peters who himself worked in mines in the late 60s said he's read the safety reports and he believes the mine's safe to re-enter.

He said it all points to a cover-up.

Mr Peters said it's being covered up because the Government's afraid that what's found in the mine will show there was a lack of safety procedures in place.

He said it could be called a symbolic or a token gesture but he's serious.

Bill English said Mr Peters shouldn't make light of the Pike River re-entry row by offering to be the first person back into the condemned mine.

The new Prime Minister's not impressed saying no one will take him seriously and Mr Peters shouldn't trivialise it.

"There's a serious safety issue here and he's not an expert."

Asked whether he thought Mr Peters was grandstanding, Mr English replied: "I don't think anyone needs me to tell them that's what's happening."