Maori word for a storehouse on postsor other supports, like a Pataka (q.v.). Futtah (q.v.) is a corruption, probably of Irish origin.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i.p. 167:
«In one corner was a ware-puni, occupied by Barrett and hisfamily, and in the middle a wata, or `storehouse,' stuck uponfour poles about six feet high, and only approachable by awooden log with steps cut in it.»
1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 57:
«A chief would not pass under a stage or wata (a food-store).»
Ibid. p. 468:
«Wata, stand or raised platform for food: Fata,Tahaiti.»
[Also an illustration, «an ornamental food-store,» p. 377.]
1891. Rev. J. Stack, `Report of Australasian Associationfor Advancement of Science,' \#G. vol. iii. p. 378:
«The men gathered the food and stored it in Whatas or store-rooms, which were attached to every chief's compound, and builton tall posts protect the contents from damp and rats.»