Piet Van Asch (1911-1996) ─ the founder of Hastings based New Zealand Aerial Mapping

Hastings aerial mapping entrepreneur, Piet Van Asch (1911-1996) ─ the founder of Hastings based New Zealand Aerial Mapping, will be the subject of May’s Landmarks History Group talk.

While at secondary school at Christ’s College in Christchurch during 1925-29, Piet developed an interest in flying.
In 1931 he took an aerial photo of the Whakatu Freezing works and Iona College – both which sold quickly ─ and he realized an opportunity for a business.
After earning his ‘A’ pilots licence in 1934, Piet began to plan an aerial mapping company, which he eventually formed in 1936. He left for London four days later to purchase his first plane ─ a Monospar ST-25 Universal.
In early 1937 Piet arrived back in Hastings, and using Bridge Pa Aerodrome as his base, began what is now New Zealand’s oldest aerial mapping company.
The story of Piet Van Asch will be told by his son Hugh, who also worked for New Zealand Aerial Mapping.
Cyril Whitaker, a pilot at New Zealand Aerial Mapping for 38 years, will also attend the meeting displaying some photographs of the company’s history.
The talk will take place at the Hastings Public Library, Warren Street, on Tuesday 11 May from 5.30pm until 6.30pm. Gold coin donation upon entry.