Taumata o te Rā is a marae at 60 Hastings Street in Halcombe, Manawatū, and the home of Ngāti Manomano, a hapū of Ngāti Raukawa. Its wharenui, Manomano, was opened on 10 February 1996 by Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu. The marae is one of seven in Te Roopu Hokowhitu, a northern marae collective in the Raukawa area. It is 11 minutes from Feilding and 26 minutes from the Square in Palmerston North. The website says it welcomes whānau, schools and organisations for hui, wānanga and cultural events. The marae can sleep up to 90 people, its wharekai seats 180, and two smaller rooms can serve as workshop spaces or extra sleeping areas. It is smoke-free, vape-free, alcohol-free and drug-free.
Customers have held a family reunion and a Christmas gathering here, and one describes meeting all the whānau. Others describe the people as welcoming and caring, and the marae as beautiful. Reviewers often mention friendly staff. Bookings are for approved events and are considered at monthly committee meetings, so requests are asked for at least two months ahead. The marae also prefers that someone in the group has a connection to one of its hapū members. Our pick in Halcombe for a whānau reunion or hui.