Red Hill is located in the Manurewa-Papakura ward, one of the thirteen administrative divisions of Auckland city.

With panoramic views of the entire Auckland Region, it once was used as a lookout point during the Māori wars to see the incoming waka from the Manukau Harbour and movements through the surrounding native forest.

During the major reformation of local government in 1989, the Red Hill area was included into the Papakura District boundaries.

As well as the current Papakura District, all other territorial authorities were abolished and the entire area was dissolved into a single Auckland city council.

Before the 2023 census, Red Hill had a significantly larger boundary, covering 2.10 km2 (0.81 sq mi).