About our community

Over 40,000 people live in Papakura. We have a diverse mix of nationalities, with a significant Maori and Pacific Islander population. In comparison with the rest of New Zealand, our population is younger and we have more families, reflecting the lifestyle nature of our District.

Auckland Regional Growth Strategy predictions, estimate the District's population will reach 85,000 within the next fifty years. In the next ten years, we're expecting an additional 25% more people (10,000) than we have now. The Council is working to provide for our community's future, as well as those of our businesses.

As part of the preparation for the future, the Council has established a Community Development section to work with community groups, organisations and citizens to build and strengthen our community networks.

Community Development activities include establishing and maintaining links with Central Government around Papakura social initiatives and issues, organising training workshops, providing information on funding, supporting organisations with information and providing them with another way of communicating with Council.

The section also provides advice to Council on youth and community issues, and advocates regionally and nationally on social and cultural wellbeing issues that impact our community.

Community Links

Use the New Zealand Government web gateway to access central and local government departments and services.

LawAccess is a site linking to New Zealand government and non-government agencies that provide information on your rights and responsibilities under specific laws.

Worksite/PaeMahi is a New Zealand government site that provides information about work, skills and employment opportunities in New Zealand.

WaterSafe Auckland Inc, is a coordinating body of organisations and individuals working towards a safer community in, on and around water through building a water safety culture in the Auckland Region. Check them out.

NZ Cadet Forces is a youth leadership training scheme run jointly between the NZ Defence Force and the local community. With 106 units nation wide there is a very good chance that there is a Unit in your area.