Ngā Kōrero Rererangi
Aviation Conversations
Enjoy an evening in the Aviation Hall with a panel discussion exploring aerial mapping technology.
Ngā Kōrero Rererangi Aviation Conversations is an evening series celebrating aviation in Aotearoa and the Pacific, from the innovations of the past to the technologies shaping its future.
Set within the MOTAT Aviation Hall, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people leading and influencing the aviation industry today, in an engaging and intimate after-hours setting.
The next talk in this series, A Bird's Eye View, explores aerial mapping technologies. Join us for a lively panel discussion featuring David and Beryl Pimblott, and Alexandru Cotos, followed by a Q and A session.
A Bird's Eye View
David and Beryl are the co-founders of NorthSouth GIS NZ (formerly Explorer Graphics Ltd), one of New Zealand’s longest-established geospatial consultancies. Under their leadership, the company became a leading provider of geographic information systems (GIS) based on Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) technology.
Hear about their fascinating career that began in the early 1970's and extended over the next 40 years, and the many aerial photography projects they managed for local and regional government over the decades. Along the way, learn about the development of aerial photography and associated technologies, such as topographical mapping.
University of Auckland Master's student Alexandru Cotos will be speaking on the history of New Zealand Aerial Mapping Limited (NZAM) as told through MOTAT's collections. NZAM was the leading aerial mapping firm in Aotearoa throughout the twentieth century and were behind many projects, including motorways, railways, airports, mines, forestry, and even individual schools and hotels. Its founder, Piet van Asch, had a deep connection with MOTAT, which began in 1982 with the donation of the company's Beechcraft AT-11, now on display in the Aviation Hall.
Alexandru will offer a fascinating look at the breadth of the MOTAT collection, aerial mapping in general, MOTAT's role in conserving the past, and the development of Aotearoa in the twentieth century.
Alexandru's studies have included researching the culture of Aotearoa New Zealand aviation history, and he most recently secured a spot in the Auckland War Memorial Museum's Sheldon Werner Studentship programme, with the unique task of working with the Walsh Memorial Library at MOTAT to survey the New Zealand Aerial Mapping collection, and is now volunteering at MOTAT to inventory the Jean Batten collection.
The evening will be hosted by celebrated MC Lauren Tīpene, presenter and ex-air steward who brings her own industry insight to the discussion.
Arrive early to enjoy live music, a rolling quiz featuring images from our own Walsh Memorial Library, and explore the Aviation Hall's remarkable collection of aircraft, including a stereoplotter from NZAM which was used to translate aerial photographs into maps.
You’ll have the chance to connect with our knowledgeable hosts to ask questions and discover the stories behind aviation achievements in Aotearoa.
Stop by the bar for a bespoke Aviator gin sour, or browse the MOTAT shop.
Doors open at 6:30pm, with the conversation beginning at 7:00pm.
A cash bar will be available.
Bookings are essential.
Please note that filming and/or photography may take place for marketing purposes.
