Before New Zealand takes refugees from Nauru, we must ensure we don't create second class citizens, according to Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

It comes as Australia's Prime Minister moves towards supporting refugee resettlement in New Zealand

When asked by Mike Hosking on whether the poor mental health of some refugees will be an issue, Peters says we must look at the big picture first.

"It's worth considering whether we, in our endeavour to be humanitarian, will end up with a substandard level of citizenship."

LISTEN ABOVE AS WINSTON PETERS SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING