"We were prepared for the worst, but that hasn't eventuated."
Tararua council had set up teams in the northern and southern end of the district who were prepared if things got worse.
The council had also been affected by sickness but Collis said it always made sure there were enough people for emergencies should they be needed.
"Tararua Alliance do a tremendous job, going out and dealing with trees and slips, and clearing water when it's already cold and wet."
The Emergency Operations centre also had staff on standby continuing to monitor the situation and other councils were braced for if things got worse.
"It means everybody's ready to roll should we need it," Collis said.
While the roading team was busy, the waters team was also just as busy balancing the water needs with turbid water in the river.
"There are many parts of council that are really working hard in weather events like this," Collis said.
"This one is particularly challenging because it's the whole country."
So far, it appeared there hadn't been many slips reported, other than small ones on the Pahiatua Track and Saddle Rd, but residents were urged to report any road blockages to the council.
"Council have a focus on keeping roads open to at least one lane, because we know our community need to be connected - they need to be able to move and access services."
Collis said residents could get updates on what roads were closed through the council website.
A flooded area in rural Tararua taken in 2018. Council was warned of potential flooding in the district. Photo / NZME
MetService meteorologist Amy Rossiter said there was a heavy rain watch for the northern Wairarapa through to 5pm today.
As of 10am, 48.4mm of rain had fallen at Akitio, and Dannevirke had 20.4mm in the previous 24 hours.
In the ranges 80.9mm had fallen in the 24 hours.
A heavy rain warning was in place for Tararua, with up to 90mm expected to accumulate on what had already fallen, Rossiter said.