The State of Emergency has just been lifted in Napier, five days after intense rainfall flooded the city.
But while the immediate danger and floodwaters have now subsided, the clean-up is only just beginning.
On Friday, the carpet in classrooms contaminated by the flood waters that ran through Henry Hill School like a river was ripped up and thrown out.
More than 100 volunteers, from community groups, former students and other schools mucked in today.
"[There's been] lots of smiles, lots of people sweating, putting in the hard work," Principal Jason Williams said.
A couple of days ago, Williams didn't know if he would be able to reopen his school before the end of the year.
But there is some good news to brighten up any dampened spirits.
"Pretty shattered, very tired, definitely burnt out - but it'll be worth it because all that matters is getting the kids back on Monday," he said.
A little bit of perseverance and some elbow grease got trailer-loads of contaminated carpets and school resources off to the dump to join dozens of other residents making the most of the free refuse services being offered to flood victims.
"This is the fifth load to the dump," one person told Newshub.
"It is what it is," said another. "We've got to carry on I suppose, hey? We've just come through COVID and then we get this shit."
Everything but the kitchen sink is headed to the dump - including a beautiful cabinet, brought back from Russia 30 years ago.
"They've lost everything - anything that was within a foot of the floor they've lost."
For some residents, the damage is more than a trip to the dump. More than 100 houses have been deemed uninhabitable, leaving close to 250 residents without homes.
Some of them will likely never return to their houses.
"This a very unsettling time for our community and getting the right information from the right sources is critical," said Mayor Kirsten Wise.
She's tired, but grateful the community spirit prevails.
"I'm incredibly proud of all of our community. There have been so many offers of help from all over the city," Wise said.
