Waitangirua was established during the 1960s, almost exclusively as a Government housing development for New Zealand's burgeoning working class immigrant population.

As such the ethnic demographic of Waitangirua at the time of establishment comprising primarily Pacific Island, Scottish, Indian, Irish, English and Chinese as well as Māori.

The diverse multi-racial nature of Waitangirua makes for a colourful community dominated by a vibrant and exuberant youth culture.

Several scenes from the Taika Waititi film Eagle vs Shark were shot on location in Waitangirua.

[12] Te Kura Maori O Porirua is a co-educational state Māori language immersion primary school for Year 1 to 13 students,[13][14] with a roll of 316.