“Make no bones about it. My mother and father, [in their] first years of marriage, were living in a tent.
“They finally got a small accommodation, just two rooms, and she cooked outside.
“But let me tell you that we had 11 children, and we were an extraordinarily lucky family, because until just about four years ago, in this family of five generations, only mum and dad had died.
“You’ve got to be a super lucky family to be that, and so every time this happens, and it’s only happened now in a family of 11 children, only two have died, the eldest and the second eldest. And so it’s a bit of a shock to us.”
Winston Peters and his older brother Jim Peters in 2015. Photo / NZME
He said his family had been “blessed” and he felt “lucky” to have been born poor.
“I was looking around the marae the other day, and looking at the European and Māori who were there, at those families, and by comparison, we’re a pretty blessed family.
“I never thought I’d say this, we were lucky we were born poor. But poor meant we were on a great diet, and a great diet is the most critical thing New Zealanders need going forward.”
Jim Peters served as an NZ First MP between 2002 and 2005, and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008 for services to local body affairs, education and the community.
A renowned educator, he was head of department at Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland and Northland College principal in Kaikohe. He also served as Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University of Auckland.
NZ First labelled Peters a “foundational figure” within the party in a tribute on Facebook last Tuesday.
“Jim dedicated his life to public service, education, and regional development,” the tribute read.
“Within New Zealand First, Jim was a foundational figure. A stalwart life member and long-serving electorate chairperson, 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.”
Parliament held a moment of silence to honour Peters last Tuesday.
Jim Peters previously described his brother 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.”