Papakōwhai

Papakōwhai
A view from the north-east: Porirua Harbour to the right, Porirua city centre and Rangituhi/Colonial Knob ridge in the background
CountryNew Zealand
CityPorirua City
Local authorityPorirua City Council
Electoral ward
  • Pāuatahanui General Ward
  • Porirua Māori Ward
Area
  Land143 ha (353 acres)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Total
2,300
Postcode(s)
5024
(Porirua Harbour) Paremata
Papakōwhai
Ascot Park
Aotea

Papakōwhai is a suburb of Porirua City. It lies approximately 22 kilometres (14 mi) north of Wellington in New Zealand.

The name "Papakōwhai" (Māori pronunciation: [papaˈkɔfai]) in the Māori language means "yellow earth". As well as being the name of the suburb it is the name of the main road connecting the suburb to the south. Most of the other streets in Papakōwhai take their names from Scottish rivers.

The first European known to have settled in the area was William Bowler in the early 19th century.

As of 2016 Papakōwhai includes the Royal New Zealand Police College and Aotea Lagoon public park.