"And it is important to address the issue of mana because you're a man, I'm told, who is held in great regard," the judge said.
Counsel Andrew Dawson said after his client admitted the charge he had fronted whanau and was now going through one-on-one counselling.
The court heard Smith sat down with 20 members of his community "and the issue was discussed in a full, open, direct, honest and mana-enhancing way".
The way the defendant had confronted his shortcomings was in contrast to the lewd conduct on the day in question, Judge Crosbie said.
The teenage victim had been placed with Smith and his wife through the University of Otago's Host Family Programme.
The defendant had provided accommodation for many years, Dawson said.
But at 7pm on the day in question, Smith was alone in the dining room with the student.
While helping her with her studies, he put his arm around her and began kissing her on the cheek.
"Unfamiliar with New Zealand culture", the victim did not resist Smith's advances despite being uncomfortable, a summary of facts said.
After she moved seats, the defendant continued to hug and kiss the woman.
When she moved to the kitchen to get a drink, Smith followed her, embraced her and kissed her on the lips.
"At the same time the defendant grasped and squeezed her buttocks," court documents said.
The victim barricaded herself in her room and contacted her manager in Japan.
The next day, she was moved to another host family and the matter was reported to police.
The woman, who was now back in Japan, told the court in a written statement that she felt "betrayed".
She had lost her trust in men and the shine had gone from her visit to New Zealand, Judge Crosbie said.
"I had just arrived in your home and I will never understand why you chose to do those bad things to me," the victim wrote.
The judge condemned Smith's actions, but also commended those who had lent their support.
"It's really good when a community recognises what a community member has done but still embraces the person as a community member and ensures help and assistance," he said.
"It is great when someone who has offended can talk about that and place it into context."
Smith was sentenced to 200 hours' community work.
- Otago Daily Times
- Allied Press