Meaning of Wakatu
In Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka: A history of Māori of Nelson and Marlborough, compiled by Hilary & John Mitchell of Mitchell Research, there are several references to the definition of the word Wakatū. On page 65, there is mention of the definition of the word Wakatū, as well as the spelling of the word: Some "kaumātua (elders) of the Nelson district claim that the spelling "WAKATŪ" for Nelson derives from the "standing up" or "throwing up" (tū) of Potoru's canoe (waka) ... waka tū ... WAKATŪ.
Another reference found in this report that suggests an origin for the name Wakatū is in a translation of a lament by Kauhoe upon hearing of the death of her husband, Te Puoho. On page 169 there is a line of the lament containing the word whakatu and a translation:
"Ma te 'Paraha e whakatū, Mai te toiere - e"
The translation is writen as: "With Te Rauparaha standing in the bow"
This translation thus makes reference to the word whakatū as meaning standing, which is somewhat consistent with the first definition in the Mitchell Research.
Meaning of our poupou carving
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This pou pou incorporating Wakatū's logo stands in the Incorporation's registered office, Wakatū House, Montgomery Square, Nelson. The circular top of the carving is the logo, incorporating a fern frond (koru), representing a wave rising up, and a symbolic canoe prow (tauihu). The head at the top of the prow is a spiritual representation of people involved in the Incorporation. An enclosing circle around the top of the carving illustrates the family-type operation of the Incorporation. The base of the carving represents the history of the Nelson area. A central figure at the bottom of the carvng is Te Rauparaha, one of the rangatira who led to Te Tau Ihu te Waka a Maui the Māori people, whose descendants are the shareholders of Wakatū Incorporation. Small figures down each side of the base represent the tribes or iwi who have occupied the province. |
Meaning of our pouwhenua carving
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This pou is named He Kāhui Hekenga – A Collection of Journeys and is stylised as an upright waka. These epic migrations began in Kāwhia in the Waikato traversing the coastline to Marokopa and northern Taranaki in the early nineteenth century. The journey from snow capped Taranaki was arduous and thorns depict the difficult path southwards to the Kāpiti Coast and Wellington region. Along the way the people were strengthened through alliances and overcame challenging obstacles – represented by the classical pakati and haehae patterns central to this pou. When the ancestors crossed the waters of Raukawa / Cook Strait they shielded their eyes as a mark of caution and respect to Ngā Whatu a Muturangi. The chevron patterns between the two eyes pay tribute to this giant octopus and remind us to be diligent upon these waters. It’s eight tentacles swirling around the middle of the pou are the confederation of Iwi in Te Tau Ihu. The front and top of this waka is the prow or Tau Ihu and symbolises the journey of Wakatū Incorporation and the aspirations of the people cutting through adversity. The taurapa / stern at the base is the old world, the foundation of our heritage. |
