It lies approximately 22 kilometres (14 mi) north of Wellington in New Zealand.

[3][4][5] The first European known to have settled in the area was William Bowler in the early 19th century.

As of 2016[update] Papakōwhai includes the Royal New Zealand Police College and Aotea Lagoon public park.

Papakōwhai statistical area covers 1.43 km2 (0.55 sq mi).

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 49.2% had no religion, 39.2% were Christian, 0.3% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.7% were Hindu, 1.2% were Muslim, 0.4% were Buddhist and 1.7% had other religions.