A New Zealand Institute of Economic Research reports cites uncertainty as a major factor holding back earthquake recovery in Canterbury.
The institute says the report data should dispel any myths about the current situation in the region ahead of the election.
It says the region's population has shrunk by more than 5,000, almost 27,000 jobs have been lost and the impact has been harshest for the hospitality and service sectors.
The institute's principal economist Shamubeel Eaqub says more certainty is needed in the recovery.
"We have a huge amount of uncertainty on insurance, on regulation and planning, and until we see these uncertainties ease, we're not going to see the private sector investing in the region and we're not going to see increases in jobs and businesses."
He says those increases are vital in order to retain skills, people, jobs and businesses in the region.
Mr Eaqub says it's up to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority to sort existing problems out as soon as possible.
