In Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka: A history of Maori of Nelson and Marlborough, compiled by Hilary & John Mitchell of Mitchell Research, there are several references to the definition of the word Wakatu. On page 65, there is mention of the definition of the word Wakatu, as well as the spelling of the word: Some "kaumatua (elders) of the Nelson district claim that the spelling "WAKATU" for Nelson derives from the "standing up" or "throwing up" (tu) of Potoru's canoe (waka) ... waka tu ... WAKATU.

Another reference found in this report that suggests an origin for the name Wakatu 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 whakatu, Mai te toiere - e"

The translation is writen as:

"With Te Rauparaha standing in the bow"

This translation thus makes reference to the word whakatu as meaning standing, which is somewhat consistent with the first definition in the Mitchell Research.

This pou pou incorporating Wakatu's logo stands in the Incorporation's registered office, the premises of chartered accountants West Yates, 72 Trafalgar Street, 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 Maori people, whose descendants are the shareholders of Wakatu Incorporation. Small figures down each side of the base represent the tribes or iwi who have occupied the province.