[3] In 1876, Makara and Porirua ridings were made part of the Karori-Makara Highway Board and elections were conducted.

[3][13] On 1 April 1973, the city of Porirua was expanded to include large areas to the north-east and some to the south, transferred from Hutt County, along with Mana Island.

[14] In 1988, it was further expanded to include the Horokiri riding, which contained most of Whitby and large rural areas, before Hutt County was abolished in the 1989 local government reforms, which transferred to Wellington City most of the southern fringe areas that had been added in 1973 - notably the Takapu Valley and Arohata.

Candidates standing in the general wards are elected by voters registered on the general electoral roll, while those standing in the Māori ward are elected by voters registered on the Māori electoral roll.

[21] The Parirua Māori Ward elects 1 councillor and covers the whole city of Porirua.

[21][22] The Onepoto General Ward elects 5 councillors and covers:[21][23] The Pāuatahanui General Ward elects 4 councillors and covers:[21][23] Porirua City was granted a Coat of Arms by the Earl Marshal of England on 1 December 1965.