He also served as Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland.
Jim Peters was a former MP and renowned educator.
The party described Peters as a “foundational figure” within NZ First and a long-serving electorate chairman.
“He was revered across the party for his quiet wisdom, integrity, and principled guidance.
“Jim will be sorely missed and his legacy will long endure. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Peters family, his colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.”
Northland College paid tribute to its former principal in a post.
“Kua hinga te kauri i te waonui a Tāne [a great tree has fallen in the great forest of Tāne],” the school said.
The school, which he led from 1987 to 2002, acknowledged Peters’ contribution to generations of Ngāpuhi and the wider community during his years at the college.
During his tenure, the school’s roll grew to 80% Māori, making it one of the country’s largest mainstream schools catering to Māori students at the time.
“Our sincerest sympathies and condolences extend out to the whānau at this time.”
Northland MP Grant McCallum also acknowledged Peters’ death.
He described Peters’ contribution to the region as “immense”.
“I would regularly see Jim and wife Robin at events in Northland,” McCallum wrote on Facebook.
“He was always a gentleman and was obviously very supportive of his brother, Winston. He also would regularly offer me advice. My condolences to Robin and the wider Peters family.”
The eldest of 11 children, “Gentleman Jim” Peters was an older brother to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.
The brothers served together in Parliament after Jim Peters entered as a list MP in 2002.
Despite being led in caucus by his younger brother, Jim told the Herald in 2003 the arrangement presented no difficulties.
“We were a farming family so we all worked. In that environment you all got on well.”
Peters received a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2008 New Year Honours for services to local body affairs, education and the community.
He told the Herald at the time he particularly enjoyed local politics because of its closeness to the communities it served.
“It’s direct, it’s productive. It’s close to your community and if you don’t do well you get a very, very urgent shock every three years,” he said.
He expressed pride in his family’s contribution to politics, which also included another brother, former National MP Ian Peters.
He described Winston as one of the most “outstanding politicians we’ve ever had”.
“Pulpits aside, we should be proud of anyone who rises to that level, whoever it is.”
While reflecting on his MNZM, Peters turned the attention back to his community.
“Not many people from Kaikohe receive these awards. This is as much about the wonderful people we have here as it is me.”