Paparua is a rural area west of Christchurch city.

Quarries and heavy industry dominate in the north of the area.

[3][4] It amalgamated with Halswell County in 1968,[5] and was abolished in the 1989 New Zealand local government reforms with its territory divided between Christchurch City and Selwyn District.

Paparua statistical area covers 23.34 km2 (9.01 sq mi).

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 56.3% had no religion, 30.8% were Christian, 2.4% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.8% were Hindu, 0.3% were Muslim, 0.6% were Buddhist and 2.4% had other religions.