https://www.rnz.co.nz/untoldpacific

Untold Pacific History is a dynamic, often provocative, but accessible account of New Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific, and the broad impact it's had on NZ’s own history and relationship with Pacific peoples in Aotearoa today.

This is a story of indigenous land rights gone awry, a makutu from an aggrieved family and the failed business ventures of an infamous haunted hotel in Rarotonga.

In pre-colonial times, it was the scene of bloody battles between rival tribes, and ancient spirits are said to patrol the area. It is also the subject of a bitter ownership dispute that dates back more than a century, and which gave rise to the curse that is still said to hang over the area.

This is the cursed Sheraton hotel complex in Rarotonga, a long-abandoned luxury resort lain derelict for a quarter-century. The stories of Italian Mafia connections, failed government business dealings, and indigenous land rights come together in this episode of Untold Pacific History.

*We apologise for any offence caused by Pa Ariki's incorrect statement in this piece that "the More family are all dead" in context of the historic family involved in this land dispute. We acknowledge there are descendants of this family alive today, and that this context was unclear in Pa's statement in this video.

Made possible by the RNZ/NZ On Air Innovation Fund.