The modern suburb, just south of Plimmerton, derives its name from the "Paremata Barracks", erected on the north shore of Porirua Harbour in about 1846 when the British Empire was nervous about the local Ngāti Toa tribe under its leader Te Rauparaha.

In 1936 a road bridge finally spanned the entrance to the Pāuatahanui Inlet, greatly easing access to Wellington for the growing suburb.

After a coast road was built between Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki further north, the route through Paremata became part of State Highway 1.

Later developments to ease congestion included the Paremata Roundabout, just south of the road bridge, reducing some of the distress that was occasionally caused at what came to be known as "Glass Corner".

By the start of the 21st century, several members of the Ngāti Toa iwi had served on the Porirua City Council, and the whole locality around the Ngatitoa Domain had become a busy suburb and fishing base with housing and commerce.

This is part of an ongoing project by Transit New Zealand to solve congestion issues and improve safety of motorists, pedestrians and local residents accessing SH 1 from side-roads and driveways.