"The colossal staffing needs of organisations involved in Christchurch's rebuild are here to stay for some time," Walker said.
"They are firmly in the express lanes of our jobs market and there is no denying that their surging staffing needs will continue over the years ahead."
Of the employers surveyed, 71.4 per cent thought the availability of candidates for roles outside Canterbury would be affected by staffing needs of the Christchurch rebuild.
One third believed the rebuild would create a two-speed economy in New Zealand.
"'The term 'two speed' is now widely used to describe New Zealand's current jobs market, where the South has high demand for skills as a result of the rebuild, while the North is in a holding pattern," Walker said.
Employers could have a battle on their hands attracting candidates to Canterbury though, the survey showed.
Many candidates expressed concern about moving to the region, with 59.2 per cent saying they would not consider relocating to take advantage of jobs on the rebuild.
The main reasons given included a fear of future earthquakes, the lack of liveable property and the lack of services.
"It will be interesting, therefore, to see what employers in Christchurch do to attract candidates," Taylor said.
"In many ways, employers involved in the rebuild are the forerunners for the rest of the country in terms of how to deal effectively with skills shortages."