Our Team
Management Team
Our management team are experienced and qualified engineering and construction industry professionals with a strong focus on client satisfaction, quality, and health and safety.
2020 average tenure = 20 years
2020 longest serving = 39 years
Operational Team
Our operational team comprises a Surveyor/Engineering Technician, Supervisors, Leading Hands, Plant Operators, Drivers, Trade Apprentices, and Labourers all experienced in earthworks, civil and site works, roading, and drainage construction and maintenance.
2020 average tenure = 4 1/2 years
2020 longest serving = 8 years
Chris Knaggs
Managing Director
Chris Knaggs’ 30+ year journey from labourer to Managing Director at Knaggs Construction is a testament to his commitment to the company and dedication to the industry. Chris sets high standards, demanding the highest quality and supporting and guiding his team to achieve.
Chris prioritises successful project completion, uncompromising on quality, safety, and employee wellbeing while drawing on his wealth of experience to identify and pass on to customers opportunities to expedite projects and make cost savings. Chris’s focus on results is self-explanatory, as shown by Knaggs Construction’s significant proportion of repeat customers.
Knaggs Construction’s track record of low employee turnover demonstrates the positive work culture that Chris fosters, championing diversity and inclusion and actively nurturing the professional growth of team members, reflecting Chris’ core belief that a company’s employees are its most valuable asset.
Chris Witty
Construction Manager
Chris is a civil and infrastructure construction leader who brings 20+ years of experience to Knaggs Construction, excelling in leadership, management, and project delivery across diverse civil and infrastructure projects.
From motorways like Auckland's SH16 and Spaghetti Junction to green and brownfield developments in Brisbane and remote Australian locations, Chris has a proven track record of success.
Chris is responsible for all aspects of project delivery for Knaggs Construction from planning and programming to employee safety, wellbeing, and development.
Chris's approach combines expertise and passion, balancing deep technical knowledge with a hands-on work ethic. He prioritizes meticulous execution, ensuring every project meets Knaggs Construction's high standards for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Chris fosters strong relationships with construction teams, building their leadership and expertise, and advancing a culture that consistently delivers exceptional results for clients.
Dene McGrath
Workshop Manager
Dene has an extensive background in the transport industry, and 25+ years with Knaggs Construction. Under his guidance, Knaggs Construction’s in-house workshop repair and maintenance facilities enable immediate and appropriate response to any breakdown, and ensure equipment is reliable, tidy, and effective.
Dene’s meticulous approach makes certain that safety and regulation are met, with all necessary certification and inspection addressed.
Dene oversees a strict preventative maintenance program on all equipment to maximise reliability and lifespan. Dene shares his significant knowledge and experience by providing ongoing internal training to employees on equipment use, maintenance, and safety.
Shirley Fisher
Office Manager
Shirley is highly organised and a results-oriented office administrator with over 20 years of experience. She provides exceptional administrative support and a proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, to ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of Knaggs Construction Limited.
Sahithi Pittala
Quantity Surveyor
Sahithi has a Master of Construction (Quantity Surveying) and a Bachelor of Technology (Civil Engineering) and is an NZIQS Member (Affiliate). Sahithi is a diligent and effective member of the Knaggs Construction team. Her industry experience includes research, estimating, and site engineering, which has allowed her to build and develop skills and knowledge in managing contracts, tender evaluation, and preparing SOQ’s and BOQ’s.
Sahithi is a fast-learning and reliable team member who builds solid relationships with a diverse range of people, and her attention to detail has seen her become invaluable in our ability to rapidly and accurately manage projects.
Mohit Samy
Survey/Engineering Technician
Mohit is a highly motivated Engineering Technician and Surveyor with 6+ years of industry experience. Mohit’s technical expertise and practical knowledge centres around construction surveying, machine control, drones, and drafting in Civil 3D. Mohit's keen eye for detail ensures project quality, and his commitment to safety and employee wellbeing has seen him previously elected as the company’s H&S Rep, and now take on the role of the company's Health and Safety Officer. Mohit fosters strong relationships with colleagues, encouraging strong collaboration between technical, operational, and management team members. Driven by innovation, Mohit actively seeks new technologies for continuous improvement, making him a valuable member of our forward-thinking team.
Cameron Otikore
Business Development (Sales & Marketing)
Cameron joined the Knaggs Construction team in 2015 in a hands-on role. A positive and enthusiastic character, Cameron has steadily progressed through the company in onsite roles, gaining experience over many projects as a plant operator and team leader. Cameron now spearheads the sales and marketing portfolio, a role that his attitude and first-hand experience have enabled him to grow into, to better support his team through developing the business profile and connections.
Customers can be certain when talking to Cameron that he has been there and done that and that if he doesn’t know, he knows where to go to find out.
Steve Smith
Site Engineer
Steve is a qualified civil engineer, completing a NZ Diploma in (civil) Engineering, and continuing his education with a BE(Hons) in progress. Steve has come from a background of trade certified diesel technician, where he developed strong problem solving and logical thinking skills. Steve has also gained technical experience by working on the ground for Knaggs Construction before stepping into the Site Engineer Role.
Steve’s attention to detail and diligence enables him to complete jobs to a high quality and accuracy, and sets high standards for himself and his teammates. Steve strives to achieve by leading from the front and engaging alongside his team hands-on.