Dr Helen Ruth Ough Dealy PhD

Dr Helen Ough Dealy, PhD.
Helen Ough 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 and photograph below courtesy of Nga Mārama/Lights publication - the picture shows Helen being loaned this stunning korowai for the award of her PhD and celebrates also Terri's mission to complete it on time.)
The following photos were taken at her graduation ceremony in the Auckland Town Hall held on graduation Day 12 December 2023 by Auckland University of Technology.

The following photos were taken in Russell as part of preliminaries to Helen's graduation November 2023. The first shows the very special Korowai created by Terri Cottier with collabnorative help from the members of the local Maori community. This creation has now become part of the Marae's formal cereminial property.The second photograph shows Alex, Minnie, Helen and Lindsay. It was taken outside the Russell Marae ( the old DoC Office) just after Helen had given her presentation about her researches to the Marae, The members of the Marae had loaned the Korowai to Helen for her graduation. A well earned honour indeed.

The following photoswere taken during the family gathering in Ponsonby before Helen's graduation. The first is of Helen's sister Jane with daughters Madeline and Charlotte plus niece Alex,The second shows Jane in a happy swinging mood and the last is of the family gathered in the Posonby property rented for the occasion.

The photos below were taken after the actual graduation at the Spark Arena in Auckland. The ceremony was arranged and conducted by Auckland University of Technolgy 12 December 2023. In order they are of HAL. Alex Jane and Jeremy, the two sisters and Jeremy, Proud Dad, Proud Mum, two happy sisters and new PhD Helen!

HAL OF BAY OF ISLANDS
Ough Family Memories
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