In the early 20th century he emigrated to New Zealand and established a Sandow Room fitted with dumb-bells at the Avon Prince Sanatorium in Christchurch.

[4] To combat constipation and obesity, Hornibrook developed a system of physical culture which emphasized daily rhythmic abdominal exercises based on native dancing rituals.

[4] Hornibrook and his wife Ettie Rout hosted native dance lessons which were attended by members of the London Society in the 1930s.

[4] Hornibrook promoted Maori dances as having important components of physical culture such as breathing exercises and body movements centred on the abdomen.

[4] His system was endorsed by Sir William Arbuthnot Lane President of the New Health Society who wrote a Preface to Hornibrook's book.