The Hunnibell family in Rangiora

"Luke Hunnibell, with his wife Sarah and two young sons, arrived in Lyttelton from Suffolk in 1864. They made their way to Rangiora and Luke became the first bootmaker in the town, setting himself up in trade in a little cob cottage where he lived at the corner of Direct Road (now Victoria Street) and Brook Street (now Northbrook Road).

On 20 June 1870 Luke purchased one acre of land on the Oxford and Rangiora Road (now High Street) from John Hamilton Ward for £140. In about 1872 he built a two-storey colonial-style shop and dwelling of wood with a brick chimney and cellar. Some of the upstairs rooms were used to house apprentice bootmakers brought out from England. Behind the house there was an orchard and vegetable garden, with a much admired garden with summer house on the west side of the house. The underground cellar was used to store home-made wine, jam, beer and vegetables, as well as coal." Excerpt from Landmarks Waimakariri https://landmarks.waimakariri.govt.nz/rangiora-heritage/hunnibells-building

Luke and Sarah built a house in King Street they called "Ipswich" and they lived there. This house still stands on King Street, opposite Rangiora Borough School.

As well as being a busy business owner and boot and shoe repairer and salesman, Luke was active in the local community. He was an early member of the Rangiora Fire Brigade; he exhibited at flower and vegetable shows; was an officer in the Oddfellows Lodge and also enjoyed music. This included being the conductor of St John's church choir and Hunnibell's Quadrille Band played for many early dances in Rangiora and surrounding areas. He was also on the Committee of Management of the Rangiora Literary Institute, that later became the Rangiora Library - a precursor to Waimakariri Libraries.

Alfred Hunnibell, the youngest son, took over the family business in 1903. Hunnibell's made and repaired boots and shoes and sold them from the shop. He and his wife Ethel lived behind the shop. They cared for the large garden and orchard around the house.

Alfred was also an active member of the Rangiora community. He was involved in rugby for some years, including time as an administrator. Cricket was also an interest and at one time he was president of the Rangiora Club. He and Ethel were among the first to build a bach at Waikuku Beach and Luke was a member of the Waikuku Domain Board. Music was another of his passions and Alfred was  well-known as a pianist and was in demand as an accompanist at social functions. He formed a jazz band – known as Hunnibell’s Jazz Band and this played at local social occasions. He also played the piano to accompany films shown in the Rangiora Town Hall picture theatre.

(Information from Luke Hunnibell's obituary - Lyttleton Times, 27 November 1913 and Alfred Hunnibell's obituary - North Canterbury Gazette, 16 January 1951.

"Since Alf’s retirement several businesses have occupied the building including the ANZ Bank, an accountant, a hairdresser, a second-hand shop and a cycle shop. For the past 12 years it has been home to the popular Capone’s Restaurant.

The building remained in Hunnibell family ownership until 1966, and is the oldest commercial building in High Street. It has a Historic Place Category II registration. The name A. Hunnibell is still on the wall above the window.

The Hunnibell’s building was given Landmarks status at a ceremony held on Monday, 3 December 2012, with the plaque being unveiled by two of Luke Hunnibell’s great grandchildren, Max Luisetti and Diana McGlashan. The building currently houses Capone's Restaurant."

Excerpt from Landmarks Waimakariri https://landmarks.waimakariri.govt.nz/rangiora-heritage/hunnibells-building

Today, in 2025, a restaurant, Nomnom Kitchen is housed in the building on High Street.