How would you describe 2025 for your business?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a year of huge change for Fletcher Building. <\/p>\n
We undertook a major strategic review and, as a result, have fundamentally changed the way we operate as a portfolio company. <\/p>\n
We\u2019ve decentralised the business and simplified the way we work. There\u2019s no doubt it\u2019s been a very challenging year for us, particularly given market conditions, but I\u2019m confident the changes we\u2019ve made will set us up for 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n
What will be your biggest business challenges in 2026?<\/p>\n
We\u2019re well-positioned for the recovery, but I think it would be a mistake to count on any swift economic turnaround. <\/p>\n
Rather than being too bullish, our challenge is to keep our heads down and make sure we\u2019re ready for any conditions that come our way.<\/p>\n
What opportunities do you see in 2026?<\/p>\n
One of our most exciting opportunities for 2026 is opening the new Laminex wood panels plant board plant in Taup\u014d. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s basically tripled in size and will allow us to make a variety of new and superior products.<\/p>\n
How are you using AI to change your business?<\/p>\n
We are absolutely promoting the use of AI in the business, but rather than dictating how we expect it be used, we\u2019re supporting our business units to enhance their teams\u2019 AI literacy and develop solutions that work for them.<\/p>\n
What will the key election issue be in 2026 and why?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to see beyond the economy and the cost of living, and the way this impacts us individually as well as in business.<\/p>\n
How do you think the New Zealand economy will perform in 2026?<\/p>\n
It will undoubtedly improve but I\u2019m not expecting it to be a boom time, at least in the short term. <\/p>\n
It won\u2019t be helped by the added uncertainty of an election towards the end of the year.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the worst mistake you have made in business and what did you learn from it?<\/p>\n
Earlier in my career, I felt under a huge amount of pressure and had a bit of a reputation as being quite demanding and forceful at times. <\/p>\n
Eventually, I learned ways to cope with that pressure, including the ability to take a step back and focus on what really matters. That\u2019s helped me an enormous amount in my current role.<\/p>\n
What would you rate as your greatest success?<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve got there yet but I\u2019m planning on the turnaround of Fletcher Building being my greatest success. <\/p>\n
Watch this space.<\/p>\n
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll be staying close to home and getting to all the things I\u2019ve been neglecting this year, like going to the gym!<\/p>\n
What would you recommend as a good book\/podcast to read\/listen to over summer?<\/p>\n
Recently I\u2019ve been getting into all things Isaac Asimov. I\u2019ve been watching the Apple TV series Foundation that is based on his novels and which tackles some big questions around history, power and the future of humanity. <\/p>\n
I\u2019ve also been re-reading his I, Robot series, which feels particularly topical right now given the rise of AI.<\/p>\n