Auckland’s $1.6 billion dollar solution to wastewater woes officially opens

Katie Bradford Senior Correspondent ·NZ Herald·20 Jul, 2026 12:00 AM2 mins to read‌Watercare's $1.67 billion Central Interceptor is expected to reduce sewage overflows by about 80%.Watercare's $1.67 billion Central Interceptor is expected to reduce sewage overflows by about 80%.The $1.66 billion solution to some of Auckland’s water woes is officially open.Watercare’s 16.2km Central Interceptor tunnel runs from Point Erin in Herne Bay to the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.The aim is to reduce overflows and flooding during wet weather events and clean up Auckland’s waterways and harbours.