University farewells Jim Peters

Te Mataara o Ngāpuhi

Kia tākina ake rā te tautara ki Motu Kōkako hakatahia rā te tikitiki o Tūtemahurangi, he manu kawe i ngā kī ki roto o Pouerua, ngā kohu e tatao ki runga ō Rākaumangamanga kei tāhuna, kia tapu te riri e ... whai mai rā ki au.

Tēnā rā pea koe e pā ki te papatunga i te kōrero o Wharena kia houhia te rongo, e kore e mau te rongo. Ka hakarauika a Ngāpuhi ka tū taiharuru te moana i hoea e Ngāpuhi ki raro ki Putawiri, ka mate i reira, ko Te Wehenga ka ora i reira. ko te au kumea roa i ngā tai e tō nā i waho o mōrunga, i runga o mōrunga he au here toroa e ... whai mai rā ki au!

Jim Peters MNZM (Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) died on 15 September, leaving a lasting legacy across education, public service, Māori development and the Tai Tokerau community.

Jim, born in Kawakawa, grew up on a small dairy farm on the coast of Whananāki, and had a longstanding relationship with Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, first as a student and later as the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori.

On 16 September, a service was held at the University's Waipapa Marae, honouring Jim's legacy. Jim and his whānau were welcomed during a formal pōhiri, led by Te Tari o te Ihonuku Māori. Gathered were his former colleagues, students, and wider education community who came to reflect and share their respects.

Current Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori Professor Te Kawehau Hoskins says Jim’s contribution continues to be felt across the University.

“Matua Jim made the most sustained contribution to representing and meeting the aspirations of Maori students, staff and communities at Waipapa Taumata Rau," says Hoskins.

"He was an educational leader who brought a deep knowledge of the challenges facing Māori and understood education as a critical pathway to addressing those challenges."

"A true rangatira and gentleman, Jim will be remembered with warmth and affection by our entire university community.”

He graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Studies and held a Diploma of Teaching. His career in education included teaching at Mount Albert Grammar School before he became Principal of Northland College in Kaikohe, a position he held from 1987 to 2002.  

Jim entered parliament in 2002 as a NZ First List MP but lost his seat in 2005 but was a life member of the Party led by his brother Winston. Jim was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at the University in 2006, a role he held until 2017. During his tenure, he built on the foundations in supporting the University’s Treaty of Waitangi obligations and strengthening its relationships with, and support for, Māori.

At the time of his appointment, then Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon described Jim’s longstanding association with the University and his contribution to Māori education as making him “well suited to the role”.

Jim brought to the position a commitment to education and to creating greater opportunities for Māori. At the time, he spoke of his hopes for more high-quality Māori graduates across all disciplines and a stronger University presence in Te Tai Tokerau.

In 2008, Jim was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to local government, education and the community, recognising a lifetime of contribution across the public and education sectors.

Jim’s commitment to public service extended well beyond the University. As well as his time as an MP, he served on the Northland Regional Council from 1989, including as Chair from 1995 to 2001.

Michael Steedman, Kaiarataki of the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori, says Jim’s contribution was grounded in a strong commitment to people and place.

“Jim was someone who understood that leadership is ultimately about service. His connection to Tai Tokerau, his commitment to education and his advocacy for Māori were central to the way he carried himself. He leaves behind a legacy of service that will be remembered by many across the University and the communities he worked alongside.”

Waipapa Taumata Rau extends its condolences to his wife Robin and Jim’s whānau, friends, former colleagues and all those who knew and worked alongside him.

Jim Peters MNZM
1937 – 2026