Originally a small independent town, it has now been absorbed by Tauranga and comprises a number of subdivisions including Bethlehem Heights, Sterling Gate, La Cumbre, Saint Andrews, and Mayfield.

[11] The local Bethlehem Campus includes several Christian educational institutions on a single site.

[15] Student Caitlin Dickson was killed, as were married couple Brian and Grace Johnston.

[16] In 2022 Bethlehem College received considerable media attention when it was revealed that the school contract had a clause in it which made parents and their children agree that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The academy was founded in 1988 as a primary school with 100 students, and has expanded since to offer secondary and tertiary education.

[20][independent source needed] Notable former students include Kiri Allan (Member of Parliament), David Farrier (journalist and actor), Michael Ashton (makeup artist), Sam Tanner (1500m athlete) and Mika Vukona (professional basketball player).