The Australian Government says the rebuilding of both Christchurch and parts of Queensland destroyed by floods could create competition for tradespeople.
Australia's Minister for Emergency Management Robert McClelland is in New Zealand to thank Australian police and search and rescue personnel in Christchurch.
Mr McClelland says both countries are facing rebuilding challenges and will struggle to find enough workers.
He says the two governments will try to strike a balance on the demand for people with building skills.
Meanwhile, the Australian Medical Assistance Team that has been in Christchurch heads home on Sunday, after seeing more than 600 patients at its temporary field hospital at Cowles Stadium.
The team of 30 personnel arrived two days after the quake struck.
Medical leader Mark Little says it has been a very harrowing and intense time.
He says numerous patients broke down and cried because of the devastation caused by the quake.
Dr Little says the team was well looked after by members of the Burnside Rugby Club.
