It is governed by the Papakura Local Board and Auckland Council.

Other suburbs include Takanini, Hingaia, Red Hill, Pahurehure and the main Papakura town centre.

The landscape includes harbour foreshore, fertile planes, at rolling hills leading to the foothills of the Hunua Ranges.

[1] Within the local board area, there is a theatre, art gallery, athletics track, aquatic centre and other sports venues.

Papakura is the third busiest station on Auckland's commuter rail network, and a stop for inter-regional train and bus services.