Jim Peters entered Parliament as a list MP in the 2002 election, having previously served as the Chairperson on the Northland Regional Council.
Formerly he was HOD History, Geography and Social Studies at Mount Albert Grammar School.
He lost his list seat in the 2005 election after New Zealand First's share of the party vote declined from its 2002 result.
[1] In February 2008 he could have re-entered Parliament as a New Zealand First list MP after the resignation of Brian Donnelly, but stood aside in favour of Dail Jones.
In the 2008 New Year Honours, Peters was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local-body affairs, education, and the community.