Photo caption: Dr David Pedley at the 2025 Research Student Showcase.
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Forestry PhD graduate Dr David Pedley is proof that returning to study as an adult can open doors to a career you may never have imagined.
After over a decade working in environmental law, Dr Pedley began questioning whether it was how he wanted to spend the rest of his career.
Although he remained interested in environmental issues, he decided it was time to step away from the conflict of legal practice to pursue a more positive impact. This decision made space for him to return to study while supporting his wife’s full-time career and taking on a primary role at home with their two young sons.
His first step was completing a Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University part-time. A research project using aerial imagery and geospatial technology to examine native forest regeneration helped him identify the type of work he most enjoyed.
He had not been planning to complete a doctorate, but a funded research project through UC’s Te Kura Ngahere | School of Forestry caught his attention.
“A PhD wasn't actually even on the list, but I saw the project and thought it looked like a really interesting topic and a great opportunity.”
Supported by a Geospatial Research Institute (GRI) Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship, Dr Pedley investigated how housing intensification was affecting urban tree cover. This is a critical issue given the vital role trees play in cooling neighbourhoods, managing stormwater, improving air quality and supporting biodiversity and wellbeing.
Using aerial imagery, LiDAR data and deep learning, he developed a method of identifying tree-canopy loss at the scale of individual properties. His research found Christchurch lost approximately 14.5% of its urban tree canopy between 2016 and 2021. He then surveyed and interviewed property developers and local council staff about the management of trees during housing developments and potential solutions to increase tree retention.
Dr Pedley says he was drawn to the PhD by the research topic rather than a fixed career plan. The scholarship, which covered his fees and contributed towards living costs, helped make returning to study possible.
The project allowed him to draw on his background in environmental law, science and planning while building his geospatial research skills.
Dr Pedley says he enjoyed the doctorate partly because he approached it as an opportunity to explore an interesting subject, rather than as a necessary step towards a predetermined career.
“I really enjoyed my PhD. I think one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much is when I started, I wasn't thinking, ‘I need to get a PhD so I can do the next thing’.”
That mindset ultimately led directly to a new career.
Dr Pedley joined Christchurch-based company MyNativeForest after it advertised summer opportunities to UC students with geospatial and computer science skills. What began as a temporary position at the end of 2025 has since developed into permanent employment.
He now assesses properties around Aotearoa New Zealand to determine their suitability for native planting projects and the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme. His role also involves developing new ways to support native forests, exploring mechanisms like voluntary carbon markets to help landowners restore and retain native bush for long-term benefits.
The role brings together skills acquired throughout his previous career and studies. He uses geospatial tools and remote sensing to assess land, while also drawing on his knowledge of law, planning, landscape architecture and environmental science.
“It's interesting and meaningful work, good flexibility, not too much pressure because trees grow nice and slow. I'm really enjoying it.”
He encourages others who are considering a career change to remain open to new opportunities, even when they cannot see exactly where the change will lead.
“I think definitely go for it. Life's short. I know some people find their dream job and stick at it, but there's so many interesting things you can do out there. I enjoy learning, I enjoy trying new things. So I definitely have no regrets about the change.”
“You never know where things lead, but as long as you do something that you find interesting and give it your best, then it seems to work out.”
Dr David Pedley attended his graduation on Tuesday 25 August in the Faculty of Engineering celebration.
