The Story of Rangiora Bakery


Rangiora Bakery has a rich history of artisan baking dating back to 1860 when the first bakery was built on the town's High Street.

It has been the people, passion and innovation over 150 years, which has led to our award winning bakery today.

People are at the heart of everything we do; from our bakers who create our artisan-style food to the customers who keep coming back for more.

With this at the heart of our story, we now distribute our products throughout New Zealand and Australia for everyone to enjoy.

This is our story…


First built by Samuel Chapman next to BNZ bank

Sold to Mr George & Mr Robertson

Sold to Mr T McKelvey

Sold to Mr Pyle

Sold to John Whitehouse

Sold to William Lewis (son in law of John Whitehouse)

His son, Norman Lewis, joined the business became W Lewis & Son

Sold to Fred Harper

Bakery rebuilt at 90 High Street, Rangiora

Sold to Johan Wolfkamp

Sold to John van Til

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

First Christchurch Branch opened in Merivale Mall

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

John van Til passes the bakery to his youngest son and current owner, Ron van Til

First Christchurch Branch relocated to 664 Colombo Street

Old Railway land bought at 18 High Street, Rangiora

Won "New Zealand Baker of the Year"

New Production Bakery built at 18 High Street, Rangiora

First export orders sent to Middle East and Asia

Two new freezer buildings covering 520m² were added

Main Bakery is extended by a further 3000m²

Bakery extended to include our new Artisan Café

Export orders to Australia

New Dry Goods Store and Engineering Department built

Winners of the Baking Industry Association of New Zealand's Great New Zealand Hot Cross Bun competition

Electric bike charging station opened in the Artisan Café carpark

Winners of the Baking Industry Association of New Zealand's Great New Zealand Hot Cross Bun competition

Won New Zealand's Best Stollen Award in the Baking New Zealand Christmas Competition

Installed 820 solar panels, allowing the bakery to now operate on 100% renewable energy

Gluten Free zone installed in the production area

Silver Award in the Bakels New Zealand Surpreme Pie Awards with out Thai Beef Brisket Gourmet Pie