A large number of state houses were built in the suburb after the World War II.

Part of the area was previously called Flemington, named after the hairdresser and tobacconist Jubal Fleming (c.1844–1903).

[7] In its early years, the New Brighton Tramway Company extended the Linwood Cemetery route.

Local shopping centres were established around Christchurch, particularly in some of the neighbourhoods which had large state-housing developments.

Today, the suburb is mainly residential, though it has areas of retail businesses sited on Pages Road.

[10] A large number of state houses were built in Aranui after the World War II.

[12] A 2020 report by Kāinga Ora of the Burwood ward, revealed the suburb of Aranui had the highest number of state-owned houses in Christchurch.

Christchurch City Council publishes a combined community profile for the two suburbs.

The suburb is part of the Burwood Ward for Christchurch City Council local body elections.

[18] Nationally, Aranui is part of the Christchurch East parliamentary electorate.

The currently elected member of parliament is Reuben Davidson of the Labour Party.