Richard Steedman was the Claims Manager for the Trust. Richard was previously Deputy Chair and one of the Ngāti Whitikaupeka representatives on the Trust. Richard is currently the Hapu/Iwi Facilitator/Strategic Advisor for the Trust and a Ngāti Whitikaupeka Rūnanga Delegate.

Richard has held a number of governance and management roles over many years for the furtherance of the rangatiratanga of hapū and iwi o Mokai Patea.