Papakura is generally considered a southern suburb of Auckland, but in reality it is a town in its own right with a district council and even satellite suburbs: Red Hill and Pahurehure. Local people enjoy a relaxed and relatively direct relationship with their local government, giving them a real hand in democracy and community development. The area is the gateway to the south-of-Auckland countryside, yet its passenger train station is the third-most-used station in greater Auckland. There are some surprises to be found here, such as the ornate white and gold Sikh temple in industrial Takanini, the opulent Parkhaven Estate in Opaheke, and the sweeping views from the residences on Red Hill. With subdivisions just getting underway to the west of the motorway, in Hingaia, this area stands to see plenty of development yet.