It is governed by the Waitematā Local Board and Auckland Council, and is located within the council's Waitematā and Gulf Ward.

[1] The western part of the suburb includes the suburbs of Western Springs, Herne Bay, Westmere, Grey Lynn, Arch Hill, St Mary's Bay, Ponsonby and Freemans Bay.

To the south is the suburbs of Newton, Eden Terrace and Grafton.

[1] The area includes Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain Auckland Art Gallery, Western Springs Reserve, Studio One Toi Tū, the Aotea Centre, the Civic Theatre, the University of Auckland and AUT University.

The main site of Ports of Auckland is located on the waterfront.