Dr Helen Ough Dealy, PhD.
Helen Dealy presented elements of her PhD study process and research at Haratu Marae in Russell Bay of Islands on Sunday, 3rd December. Her chosen topic was incredibly interesting and one that locals can hope to hear more about over time, given its relevance to our community. Helen looked at volunteerism in conservation and the environment, and in particular the concept of hope - hope for the planet, hope for the future - and the belief (or not) that the future will be better than the present, and whether one believes one has the power to make it so.
Why study hope? Hopeful people are actively engaged in defying or changing the odds. (Orr, 2007) Hope, as defined by Gwinn & Hellmann (2022), is not merely a wish, but entails action that is measurable.
Interestingly, Helen's research revealed stark differences between those who actively volunteer, and those with an intention to do so. The latter think about the necessity to volunteer in order to solve problems and that Nature needs fixing. The former believe Nature can fix itself and that they are there to connect with, care for, and learn from Nature. he
Just as engaging were Helen's tips, tricks and solutions for remaining focused and staying the course. Doctoral research is intense, demanding, and can be very lonely, and it seems that without Long Beach, it may have been even more challenging.
Her talk complete, from behind the scenes emerged Terri Cottier, with Helen's daughter Alex, to cloak Helen in the handmade korowai Terri has been meticulously and secretly crafting since Helen began her PhD five-plus years ago. It was an emotional moment for the two close friends, and among 30-40 participants, there was barely a dry eye. Helen will wear the korowai to her graduation this week Congratulations, Dr Dealy. A magnificent accomplishment and we look forward to hearing more.
(Article courtesy of Nga MÄrama/Lights publication - the picture below shows Helen being loaned this stunning korowai for the award of her PhD and confirms also that Terri completed her mission on time.)
The following photos were taken at her graduation ceremony in the Auckland Spark Arena held on graduation Day 12 December 2023 by Auckland University of Technology (AUT).