Throughout 2026, the project entered its final phase, with full commissioning, integration of remaining connections, and operational optimisation. The Māngere pump station and supporting systems were tested under a range of conditions, while sites along the alignment were reinstated and returned to the community. As the system became fully operational, Auckland began to realise the full benefits which include, significantly reduced wet-weather overflows, improved water quality, and a more resilient network designed to serve the region for the next 100 years.