The Canterbury Development Corporation is predicting 2015 to deliver a high level of economic growth.
It says 2014 was a strong year in which eathquake rebuilding reached its peak and many insurance settlements were completed.
Corporation chief executive Tom Hooper said the rebuilding was a good stimulus for the local economy but was temporary in nature.
He said was important to focus on strengthening key long-term sectors that would provide jobs once the construction was complete.
However Mr Hooper said the effects of low dairy prices and drought-like weather brought some uncertainty to the region's economy.