In this final Elevate episode of the year, Ankit Sharma reflects on a tough but important year of transition for New Zealand’s construction sector. He explains the shift to proportionate liability, the push to clamp down on Phoenix companies, and how initiatives like FiNZscore aim to reward well-run building businesses with stronger credibility, better lending options, and improved consumer trust.

Ankit also steps back to the bigger picture, unpacking the four global forces hitting construction – digitisation, decarbonisation, de-globalisation and demographics – and argues that technology is the single biggest opportunity for builders in 2026. He shares simple, practical examples of how members are already using tools like AI to save hours of admin, and draws on his Rethink 4.0 leadership newsletter to show why saying no, narrowing focus, and using a “not-to-do” list are now critical skills for owners who want more impact, more headspace, and a better life outside the business.

Useful links
Connect with Ankit Sharma on LinkedIn
Say No to Say Yes: The Key to Turning Ambition into Progress
Subscribe to Rethink 4.0 Newsletter

Where else you can find us

Website: https://www.masterbuilder.org.nz/

Elevate Platform: http://elevate.masterbuilder.org.nz

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmh_9vl0pFf0zSB6N7RrVeg