It is located in the west of Christchurch 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from the central city,[4] and is bisected by State Highway 1.

The area was subdivided for poultry farming after World War I for returning serviceman, but the venture failed due to the poor soil conditions.

[5] The place name is related to the Māori word for chicken (heihei) due to the area's poultry farming history.

The percentage of people born overseas was 25.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 49.4% had no religion, 35.5% were Christian, 1.0% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.8% were Hindu, 1.0% were Muslim, 0.9% were Buddhist and 2.8% had other religions.