Following an extensive international procurement process, the Central Interceptor project was awarded to the Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture, with the construction contract formally signed in 2019. This milestone marked the beginning of New Zealand’s largest wastewater infrastructure project. Early works were initiated across multiple sites, including site establishment, ground investigations, utility relocations, and detailed design refinement. At the same time, production of the tunnel lining segments began at Wilson’s purpose-built facility in East Tāmaki, laying the groundwork for the large-scale construction effort ahead.

Construction activity ramped up across Auckland, with large shafts excavated at key locations including Māngere and May Road. Some shafts reached depths of up to 60 metres and would act as critical access points for tunnelling, ventilation, and future connections into the wastewater network. Complex logistics, traffic management, and environmental controls were established as work intensified across urban areas.