The Awakeri Shooting Federation is “living in hope” with the forthcoming sale of land it has occupied for half a century threatening its closure.

For 50 years, the club has been allowed to use part of a property owned by the Wilson Family Trust and has established a range considered “unique” in New Zealand.

Constructed on the site of an old quarry, it has capacity for 13 ranges with eight permanently set up at international standards. The land’s natural shape – its ridges and cliff sides – form distinct borders and barriers between the ranges.

The property on which it sits comprises two titles, which the trust wants to sell together.

Members of the shooting federation say they have the means to purchase the 24-hectare title that is home to their range but need a buyer for the 25-hectare title, so they can approach the trust with a deal.

The club officially left the land at the end of July, holding one final shoot meet before departure, which more than half the members attended.

“Everyone was very subdued, picking up the last of the gear,” committee member Ron Sturme said. “It’s pretty sad to see it close.”

Founding member Leigh Baker and his wife, Judy, shot the final shot at the end of the meet.

Mr Sturme said club members were “still living in hope”.

“We are hoping the new owner lets us shoot there, or a buyer who is happy to work with the club comes forward,” he said.

The federation is popular within the shooting community, welcoming competitive marksmen, hunters and load developers, to practice at its range, surrounded by nature with a clear view of Mt Pūtauaki.

Every year, between 500 and 1000 shooters from around the country attend the range for regional and national tournaments.

Awakeri is home to some of New Zealand’s top shooters across multiple disciplines including long-range, black powder, and Speed Steel shooting – including junior, ladies and overall champions – the federation is working hard to keep their shooting range, five decades of top-tier sportsmanship and strong community spirit.

Committee member and range officer BJ Garvey said this type of shooting was an “unusual sport”.

“It’s not often you get a 12-year-old girl, her 50-year-old father, an 80-year-old and a New Zealand national champion competing in the same discipline,” he said.

Club members ranged in age from 11 to retirement age, with some having been at the club regularly for decades.

“For some of the older members, this is their lives. Without it they’ll be lost,” Mr Garvey said.

“It will be a huge loss to the community. What we have here is something truly unique – I don’t think we could ever recreate this anywhere else in the area.”

The closest ranges are Rotorua and Ōpōtiki, meaning for Awakeri Shooting Federation members, practising will become more expensive and time-consuming with the travel required.

Mr Garvey said the Awakeri Shooting Federation regularly supported people navigate the paperwork necessary for obtaining a firearms licence – a task now more difficult and complicated.

Mr Sturme said safety had always been integral to the club and range, and every member was expected to hold the highest standards of firearm handling and range conduct.

The club hosted  Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki and Tauranga youth cadets, providing training programmes that placed emphasis on the safe handling of firearms.

“It’s a shame for Awakeri. That was a community service we provided, particularly for young shooters.”

Families were welcome at the range, with those under the age of 16 able to participate free. This allowed juniors to develop skills and safety techniques within a controlled environment, where all members prioritised safety and respect.

One junior started at age 10, and with the mentoring of the club became a New Zealand junior champion.

He achieved Grand Master in pistol, rifle and carbine shooting by age 12, becoming one of the youngest in the world to achieve this in three firearms. Now aged 14, he is holster qualified and shoots multiple disciplines, Speed Steel, IPSC (international practical shooting confederation) and long range.

Any interested buyers or those wanting to know more information can contact

Mr Sturme at 027 226 7915.