Former NZ First MP and educator Jim Peters dies

Summarised by Centrist

Former New Zealand First MP Jim Peters, the brother of party leader Winston Peters, has died following a long career in education, local government and politics.

James Leonard Peters served as an NZ First list MP from 2002 to 2005. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008 for services to local body affairs, education and the community.

His education career included positions as head of department at Mount Albert Grammar School, principal of Northland College in Kaikohe and pro vice-chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland.

Peters also served as chairperson of the Northland Regional Council and remained a life member and long-serving electorate chairperson of New Zealand First.

The party described him as a foundational figure who was widely respected for his “quiet wisdom, integrity, and principled guidance”.

Speaker Gerry Brownlee informed Parliament of Peters’ death on Tuesday and asked MPs to stand for a period of silence in his memory.

New Zealand First extended its condolences to the Peters family, his former colleagues and those he had worked with throughout his public life.

Read more at RNZ

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