Holding staunch views regarding Maori sovereignty does not excuse failure to properly act as trustee of a land trust, the Maori Land Court ruled when removing Opae Steedman and Taihi Paul from their positions as trustees of an ahu whenua trust for land near Taihape in the central North Island.
Already under court supervision, they were removed for their role in approving a long-term lease of trust land to interests associated with Mr Steedman while under court orders to not make any significant decisions as trustees without prior court approval.
The ahu whenua trust was established in 1985 to better manage customary Maori landholdings.
Mr Steedman came to be appointed trustee on strength of beneficiaries’ belief that his energy and enthusiasm would advance their economic interests.
Some beneficiaries later complained to the Maori Land Court with allegations of Mr Steedman’s lack of accountability and transparency, lack of leadership and general incompetence.
He was put under court supervision, together with fellow trustee Ms Paul.
At a November 2025 court hearing into Mr Steedman’s ongoing conduct, the Maori Land Court heard for the first time that the two trustees had approved a five year lease of trust land, with a right of renewal, to a second trust associated with Mr Steedman.
Asked to explain, Mr Steedman said this was neither a major decision nor a long-term one.
Judge Warren ruled the lease was a clear contravention of an earlier court order that no major decisions be made without court approval.
Regardless of Mr Steedman’s strong views on Maori sovereignty, this was a serious breach of trustee duties imposed by Te Ture Whenua Maori Act, he said.
Both Mr Steedman and Ms Paul were removed as trustees with immediate effect.
Mr Steedman’s passion is at times seriously misplaced, creating a risk to trust assets, Judge Warren said.
Steedman v. Steedman – Maori Land Court (16.03.26)
26.103