Chrisel Delmas
Master of Disaster Risk Management and Development student
She chose to study a Master of Disaster Risk Management and Development because disasters profoundly impact every aspect of people’s lives, says Chrisel Delmas who came to AUT as an international student from the Philippines, supported by a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
“I live in a mountainous region in the Northern Philippines, where typhoons, landslides, flooding, and rock falls are common occurrences throughout the year. As a nurse by profession, I understand how disasters affect not only physical health but also people’s mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
“I’m deeply connected to my culture, and I believe disaster resilience efforts must be sustainable and culturally grounded to be truly effective. Through this degree, I aim to support my community in building resilience that respects and integrates our health perspectives and cultural values. My goal is to promote sustainable development that empowers communities to protect their environment and wellbeing amid the challenges of climate change. Ultimately, I want to contribute to creating lasting, people-centered solutions that support both social equity and environmental sustainability.”
To prepare herself for this ambitious goal, her master’s degree research focuses on the integration of Indigenous people in urban disaster risk reduction and management in the Philippines. Her research is supervised by Dr Aditi Sharan and Dr Kat Hore.
“I’ve witnessed how often Indigenous communities are overlooked, and their knowledge dismissed as outdated or irrelevant. Yet, Indigenous knowledge holds powerful, time-tested wisdom, especially crucial in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. Through my research, I seek to bridge the gap between Indigenous and formal systems to ensure that policies and practices reflect Indigenous perspectives, promoting both environmental sustainability and social equity. I believe true resilience goes beyond merely ‘bouncing back’ from disasters; it means sustaining our people, cultures and ecosystems for generations to come.”
Feeling welcomed and supported
For Chrisel, the strong sense of community and cultural awareness that permeates AUT has been a highlight of her studies.
“From the very beginning, I’ve felt welcomed by humble and supportive lecturers, helpful librarians and fellow students who are always willing to lend a hand. Beyond the academics, I’ve loved participating in diverse events – from tree planting activities to AUT Worldwide, which celebrates different cultures, to the unique hāngi experience, and various conferences and symposiums. I’ve also completed the Beyond AUT Award. AUT is much more than a place to earn a degree; it provides a nurturing environment where students feel supported, connected and valued.
“Beyond academics, I serve as the organiser of Manaaki Sustainability, a group that fosters community through weekly gardening activities at the AUT South Campus. Two teams from Manaaki Sustainability participated in the Green Impact Challenge, further promoting sustainability on campus. Through Manaaki Sustainability and with the generous support of AUT’s sustainability team, we also organised a full-day conference, which involved extensive external coordination, from securing three keynote speakers to partnering with external organisations to conduct workshops. These experiences have enabled me to contribute meaningfully to both my university and the wider community. Additionally, I was honoured to be nominated for the Green Gowns Award Australasia by AUT’s sustainability team.”
She has felt incredibly well supported throughout her studies.
“Lucy McKenzie and Amelia Adams from the AUT sustainability team have been champions of my ideas. From the planting events I initiated to the one-day conference, they generously supported every step – from planning and financing to promotion and execution. Their encouragement made me believe that with support and confidence, students can achieve great things. I’m also grateful to my disaster risk management and development lecturers – Associate Professor Loic Le De, Associate Professor Ailsa Holloway, Dr Kat Hore and Dr Aditi Sharan. From the very beginning, they’ve been humble, approachable and willing to help in any way possible. They showed genuine care for our success and supported me when I invited them to participate in the conference we organised.”
Advice for other students
Expecting to complete her studies later this year, Chrisel has some great advice for other students.
“My advice to other students is to stay true to your roots and believe in the power of your voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Embrace the community around you and learn not just from books but from the people, cultures and traditions that shape your environment.”
Education is more than earning a degree, she adds.
“University is about growing as a person and using your knowledge to make a meaningful difference. Seek out opportunities to connect with others, get involved in initiatives you care about, and never underestimate the strength of culturally grounded, inclusive approaches, especially when facing challenges like climate change and disaster resilience.”
