By Angela Beswick / NZPA
Police have confirmed results of a post mortem on Henderson toddler Aisling Symes are consistent with drowning.
The two-year-old's body has been released to her family, and her death referred to the coroner.
Waitakere Area Police Commander Inspector Gary Davey said he was unable to comment on specific details of the autopsy, but there was no evidence of injury.
"Aisling's death is devastating for her family and for everyone who knew and loved her. Police, along with other members of the community, are also deeply saddened," he said.
The police remain in close contact with Aisling's family who have appreciated the many messages and gestures of support and sympathy expressed from the public, Mr Davey said.
A detailed scene examination of the drainpipe where Aisling was found is expected to be completed this afternoon.
In a press conference earlier today, family members said they were distraught at her death but pleased she has been found.
Aisling's body was found last night by police down a drain close to where she disappeared eight days ago.
The drain had been searched several times but blockages led police to dig it up, after which Aisling's body was found.
Aisling's discovery was a heartbreaking end to a horrific week for her parents Angela and Alan and her extended family, who at various times thought she was missing or abducted.
"The loss of Aisling is unbearable," said David Ball, a brother of Aisling's mother Angela.
"It's hard to imagine life without her infectious smiles and her lovely nature."
Mr Ball said it was terrible to discover she had died but that it did bring some closure.
"Our hearts go out to the families in New Zealand and internationally to parents and families who have lost someone without knowing where they are and they are still missing."
Wymond Symes, a cousin of Aisling's father Alan, said Aisling's parents were devastated.
"No words can describe Alan and Angela's pain and anguish. This past week has been a traumatic ordeal for us all."
The pair thanked police, media and the New Zealand public for their support.
Mr Symes said police had done everything they could and the family was grateful for their investigations and their communication with the family.
Earlier, neighbours who had lived next to the property where Aisling was found said they moved out because they were concerned about the danger of a drain manhole on their property.
Sonya Carrington had lived at a property adjoining that which Aisling was found but moved across the road earlier this year after watching the manhole cover blown off by water during periods of heavy rain.
Though rain was not heavy the afternoon Aisling disappeared, the drain should have been attended to, Ms Carrington said.
One of the current tenants of the property, Janet Neho, described the drain as "dodgy".
Waitakere City Council confirmed it had received four complaints about the drain prior to Aisling's disappearance.
Dozens of people today passed the scene where Aisling was found. Many of them dropped off flowers, candles, teddy bears and written tributes outside the former home of her grandparents.
Russell Watts, the pastor of the Ranui Baptist Church where the Symes family worship, picked up many of the tributes late this morning and took them to Aisling's parents.
He said the family had been devastated and the church was doing what it could to support them.
"There's not much you can do other than give them a hug and let them know that we're here," he said.
NZPA