Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie yesterday told the Otago Daily Times the Christchurch earthquake was a tragedy, but could also be a "game-changer" for the entire South Island economy.
More than 50,000 people left the city on flights out of Christchurch airport - not to mention others by car - following the earthquake.
Some have travelled to Dunedin, including workers and at least one business - a radio station still broadcasting to Christchurch - while others had fanned out across Otago and the rest of New Zealand.
Mr Christie said he was aware of Christchurch residents working from Dunedin since last week's quake, and believed others - including entire businesses - were also eyeing a move south.
"I think in a perverse sort of a way we are going to be beneficiaries of the tragedy of Christchurch.
"Nobody would have wanted this tragedy ... and nobody wants to be seen to be benefiting from it, but the reality is there will be beneficiaries.
"It's been a game-changer and it's a significant one in terms of the South Island economy," he said.
The damage in Christchurch meant the city faced a long road to recovery and a shortage of alternative commercial space in outlying suburbs.
The Otago chamber had been inundated with more than 100 offers, after asking members for a list of vacant buildings, warehouses and offices in Dunedin available for use by Christchurch businesses, he said.
That included premises available free of charge, at low cost or commercial rates, and for flexible, short- and long-term leases.
Others were offering free internet, office furniture or reduced-cost transportation, among other services, or to take on apprentices from Christchurch short-term, he said.
The list would be sent to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce in coming days for distribution to its members.
That could lead to vacant Dunedin buildings being occupied, or even companies starting again on greenfield sites near Mosgiel, he said.
It was likely some workers and companies could find themselves based in Dunedin, and stay for more than a year, he believed.
"The demand for that will grow as people have got away from just worrying about their safety and security and are able to concentrate on to how they will keep their businesses running," Mr Christie said.
However, the economic hit caused by the quake would also be felt in Dunedin, with a potential impact on tourism, the education sector, and Dunedin people losing investments in Christchurch, he said.
"There's also a significant down side, away from the human tragedy of it."
Mayor Dave Cull said when contacted it was not a case of Dunedin preying on Christchurch businesses, but rather supporting them for the benefit of the South Island.
"Christchurch is the import and distribution hub for half the South Island, or more.
"If it goes, and that facility is not replaced, then the South Island doesn't get the service, full stop.
"It was too soon to say what longer-term benefits might flow to Dunedin.
"I think there's an opportunity to help, and that's as far as it'll go in the meantime."
