In the Pacific, in New Zealand's backyard, poverty exists.
In Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, many people suffer from poor healthcare, especially women and children. Access to education is low, and there are high rates of domestic violence, severe pollution, chronic diseases, growing slums, inequality, and poor water and sanitation services.
It's not a pretty picture and the problems are in stark contrast to the idea of paradise in the Pacific.
Every health center visited in PNG was agonizing. Clinics that used to be clean and useful were in disrepair, dirty, and lacking the most basic medical supplies. The Bogia Health Clinic was surrounded by hundreds seeking anti-malaria medicine that was non-existent.
The photos and videos produced by Mike were published in the Hidden Pacific campaign created between the New Zealand Herald and World Vision.
