Business groups and unions say an economic package from the Government will need to be followed up by more support.
They are expecting an expanded version of the wage support package offered to local firms after September's earthquake to be offered on Monday.
In the first month, $8 million was paid to firms employing a total of 10,000 workers.
Firms with fewer than 20 workers that were unable to open after that quake were paid a government subsidy to keep wages flowing.
The Council of Trade Unions says that package needs to be extended to include employees who can't face work, even if it is available.
The Canterbury Development Corporation says relocating firms to new premises should be the next priority.
Wage subsidy hoped for
An IT firm, Salcom Technologies, says it hopes the Government's recovery package will include a wage subsidy to help companies as they rebuild.
Salcom chief executive Tom McBrearty says their building is deemed unsafe so staff can't return to work yet but are being paid.
He says the wish-list for what he wants in a recovery package would be very long.
