A record exodus of people moving to Australia in May mirrors a surge in work for furniture removal companies, job agencies and real estate businesses.
Statistics New Zealand says there were 3300 permanent and long-term departures to Australia, of which 800 were from earthquake-stricken Christchurch.
New Zealand Movers says it has had a 50% increase in its business on the trans-Tasman route since the February quake and has had to send more staff to cope.
Australian recruitment agency Robert Walters says the company has experienced about a 20% increase in former Christchurch residents looking for work.
One of the biggest property companies in Australasia, Ray White Real Estate, says it expects demand for real estate in parts of Australia to rise. However, it believes that many in Canterbury will be waiting to find out the fate of their properties before making a move to purchase in Australia.