Former New Zealand First MP, respected Northland educator and community leader Jim Peters MNZM has died.
Peters, the older brother of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, devoted much of his life to education, local government and public service.
NZ First posted on social media paying tribute to it’s former MP.
“He was revered across the party for his quiet wisdom, integrity, and principled guidance,” the party said in announcing his death.
He began his teaching career in Auckland, serving as head of history, geography and social studies at Mount Albert Grammar School. He later returned north and was principal of Northland College in Kaikohe from 1987 until 2002.
Peters also held senior leadership roles in tertiary education, including serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland.
Alongside his work in education, Peters was heavily involved in Northland local government. He served on the Northland Regional Council from 1989 to 2007 and was its chairman between 1995 and 2001.
He entered Parliament as a New Zealand First list MP following the 2002 general election and served until 2005. In 2008, he had the opportunity to return to Parliament after the resignation of fellow New Zealand First MP Brian Donnelly, but stood aside for Dail Jones.
Peters was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2008 New Year Honours for his services to education, local-body affairs and the community.
New Zealand First described Peters as a foundational figure within the party, where he was a life member and long-serving electorate chairperson.
“Jim will be sorely missed and his legacy will long endure.”
It’s understood Peters will be taken to Whananake in Northland for his tangihanga, with representatives of NZ First taking leave from Parliament tomorrow to attend.