Construction companies are poised to send workers from around the country to Canterbury to help rebuild parts of the region devastated by the earthquake.
But one of their biggest challenges is where to house skilled tradespeople, in a region where many residents have had to move out of their damaged homes.
The country's building firms are working with authorities to assess damage to buildings, roads, sewers and water pipes in Canterbury and decide where to focus repair work.
The civil contracting company Fulton Hogan has a team based in Christchurch, including chief executive Bill Perry, who has pulled in staff from nearby regions.
He says it's too early to say exactly what extra resources will be needed for the massive job ahead.
Fletcher's share price up
The share price of Fletcher Building, the country's largest construction firm, has risen 5.5% since Friday, reflecting investors' expectation that the company will be one of the main recipients of repairwork.
Its chief executive, Jonathan Ling, says the company is also waiting to be called on to help, and can bring in experts in construction engineering and project managing.
Hawkins has a team in Christchurch and chief executive Chris Hunter also says that before more skilled tradespeople are brought into the region, logistics need to be solved, including where to house them.
He says there should be no need to tap into Australia's job market for skilled tradespeople.
When the overall situation becomes clear, Mr Hunter says, a coordinated response between building companies and authorities will be needed.
