By 3 News staff / NZPA
3 News will bring you photos and a description of events as the funeral proceeds.
The hearse carrying the tiny casket of Aisling Symes has left Ranui Baptist Church and is being taken to a private cremation.
A flock of doves was released moments before the hearse left the West Auckland church, where the funeral was held earlier this morning.
Aisling's parents Alan and Angela Symes wept as they carried her casket out of the church.
The coffin, covered by a New Zealand and an Irish flag, was carried out to the song 'Amazing Grace'.
Aisling's parents carry her casket out
Pastor Russell Watts spoke during the service, he thanked the community for their support and encouraged mourners that the toddler was "already enjoying heaven".
Aisling's parents sat with their other daughter, five-year-old Caitlin, as Mr Watts spoke words of loss and compassion.
Around 450 mourners were packed inside the church, many brought flowers and soft toys to lay next to Aisling's casket.
Mr Watts thanked the local Henderson community, local politicians and police for their support of the Symes family.
"They stood up while our hearts bled," he said.
Mr Watts said that Aisling's death highlights how precious life is, saying "life is so fragile and is so full of change".
He said Aisling's death has left a "big hole" in the lives of the Symes family and the community, but at the same time it has brought people together.
Aisling's mother Angela Symes
"A level of compassion is coming into the hearts that was not there before," Mr Watts said.
Neighbours are talking to neighbours, he said and people are working together.
The new found togetherness of the community is of "eternal significance", said Mr Watts.
Mr Watts told the church of a prayer meeting that was taking place as Aisling's body was found, he believes it was a sign from God.
"As we were praying, the truth came to light," Mr Watts said.
Inspector Gary Davey arrived shortly after the family, Mr Davey headed up the search investigation around Aisling and has been in close contact with the family over the last week.
Inspector Gary Davey arrives at the church
Several political figures arrived after the family, including Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and Labour MP Chris Carter.
Bob Harvey arrives alongside Chris Carter
Mr Harvey came under fire last week after allegations the Waitakere council neglected to fix the faulty manhole cover that Aisling is thought to have climbed into.
Symes family arrive under the watch of news media
Mr Watts said earlier that the church was not big enough for all those who wanted to be at the funeral of the two-year-old toddler.
The Symes family welcomed members of the public to attend the service and relayed the funeral on big screens in neighbouring halls.
Hand painted butterflies and messages of love and support cover the walls of the church's foyer.
Ranui Baptist Church in West Auckland
A book of condolences was passed around as mourners left personal messages for the family.
Mr Watts said the level of practical, loving support had stunned the family and they were happy for the public to attend the funeral.
The body of Aisling was found in a stormwater drain on Monday, a week after she disappeared from a house in Longburn Rd, Henderson.
A post mortem showed she had drowned.
NZPA