ABOUT US

Chris is a 3rd-generation civil contractor with over 35 years in the civil construction industry. Chris Knaggs’ progression from labourer to Managing Director reflects both his deep commitment to the company and his unwavering dedication to excellence. Chris sets the benchmark for quality at Knaggs Construction, pairing high expectations with strong leadership, clear guidance, and a genuine investment in his people.

Chris is uncompromising on safety, quality, and employee wellbeing, and draws on decades of hands-on experience to identify opportunities that accelerate delivery, improve constructability, and deliver cost efficiencies for clients. His results-driven approach is reflected in Knaggs Construction’s substantial base of repeat customers, who value the certainty, transparency, and craftsmanship the company is known for.

Under Chris’s leadership, Knaggs Construction has cultivated a positive, stable, and inclusive workplace. The company’s exceptionally low staff turnover and strong team culture demonstrate his belief that people are a business’s greatest asset, an ethos that continues to shape the company’s performance, innovation, and long-term client partnerships.

Chris is an accomplished civil construction leader with over two decades of experience guiding teams, strengthening operational performance, and delivering high-quality infrastructure outcomes across New Zealand and Australia. He brings a strategic, people-focused approach to Knaggs Construction, ensuring the company operates with clarity, consistency, and excellence at every level.

Chris provides oversight across all operational functions, aligning project delivery, safety, quality, commercial performance, and workforce development to support the company’s long-term success. He combines a strong technical foundation with sound commercial judgement, enabling him to balance immediate project needs with broader business priorities and future growth.

A collaborative and values-driven leader, Chris develops high-performing teams through clear communication, structured processes, and a commitment to professional development. He builds trusted relationships with clients, partners, and staff alike, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement that underpins Knaggs Construction’s reputation for excellence.

Tony brings more than 40 years of civil engineering, construction, and asset maintenance experience to Knaggs Construction, where he leads our estimating portfolio with a focus on accuracy, practicality, and strategic value. A qualified Civil Engineer and seasoned Project and Contract Manager, Tony has extensive expertise in contract procurement, pricing, constructability assessment, and civil infrastructure delivery.

His background spans Territorial Local Authorities, civil design consultancies, and construction management roles, giving him a unique ability to understand project requirements from every angle, client, designer, and contractor. This broad perspective enables Tony to bridge the gap between design intent and real-world execution, ensuring estimates are robust, transparent, and aligned with both project objectives and industry best practice.

Tony’s combination of technical depth, commercial acumen, and practical experience strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality civil and amenity projects. His leadership in the estimating team supports consistency, reliability, and the high standards our clients expect from Knaggs Construction.

With more than 30 years at Knaggs Construction and a strong background in the transport industry, Dene oversees the company’s workshop operations and fleet maintenance with precision and professionalism. His leadership ensures our plant and equipment are reliable, well-presented, and ready to perform—supporting seamless project delivery across all sites.

Dene manages our comprehensive preventative maintenance programme, ensuring all machinery meets safety, regulatory, and certification requirements. His meticulous approach minimises downtime, extends asset life, and upholds the high operational standards that underpin Knaggs Construction’s performance.

A highly experienced and respected mentor, Dene shares his extensive technical knowledge through ongoing internal training on equipment operation, maintenance, and safety. His commitment to quality, reliability, and continuous improvement plays a vital role in the strength and capability of our wider team.

With over 25 years at Knaggs Construction, Shirley is a highly organised and results-driven Office Manager who plays a pivotal role in the company’s day-to-day operations. She provides comprehensive administrative, financial, and operational support, ensuring the business runs smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with our organisational standards.

Shirley oversees accounts, payroll, HR processes, contracts administration, and a wide range of business support functions with exceptional accuracy and reliability. Her ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain robust systems, and respond quickly to operational needs makes her an integral part of our management structure.

Beyond technical competence, Shirley is a strong ambassador for the company’s culture. She fosters a positive, supportive environment, championing teamwork, professionalism, and the values that define Knaggs Construction. Her dedication, loyalty, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping the stable and high-performing workplace we are proud of today.

Mohit is a highly capable Engineering Technician, Surveyor, and HSEQ Manager with close to a decade of experience in the civil construction industry. His technical expertise spans construction surveying, machine control, drone operations, and advanced Civil 3D drafting—skillsets that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of Knaggs Construction’s project delivery.

Wearing multiple hats across Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality, Mohit plays a central role in shaping and maintaining the company’s operational standards. He leads initiatives that strengthen compliance, uplift safety culture, support employee wellbeing, and drive continuous improvement across all project teams. His balanced approach—combining technical precision with practical onsite understanding—makes him an invaluable bridge between field operations and management.

Collaborative and innovation-driven, Mohit builds strong relationships across the business, ensuring seamless communication and alignment between technical, operational, and management functions. His commitment to adopting new technologies and refining work processes contributes significantly to Knaggs Construction’s reputation as a progressive, high-performing civil contractor.

Sahithi is a skilled and well-rounded construction professional with a Master of Construction (Quantity Surveying), a Bachelor of Technology (Civil Engineering), and membership with NZIQS (Affiliate). She brings strong technical capability and practical industry experience to Knaggs Construction, contributing confidently across contract management, tender evaluation, estimating, and the preparation of SOQs and BOQs.

Her background spans research, estimating, and site engineering, giving her a comprehensive understanding of project delivery from design through to execution. This broad foundation enables her to support projects with accuracy, clarity, and a methodical approach to both commercial and technical responsibilities.

Detail-driven, reliable, and effective in collaborative environments, Sahithi builds strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and project partners. Her structured work style and commitment to quality make her an integral part of our ability to deliver projects efficiently and maintain the high standards Knaggs Construction is recognised for.

Steve is a Site Engineer and Surveyor with a strong blend of technical expertise and practical, hands-on experience. He holds an NZ Diploma in Civil Engineering and is currently completing his BE(Hons), demonstrating his commitment to continual professional development. Steve’s earlier career as a trade-certified diesel technician sharpened his problem-solving skills, mechanical understanding, and logical approach to complex challenges.

Before moving into his engineering role, Steve gained valuable on-the-ground construction experience with Knaggs Construction, giving him a solid foundation in field operations and practical project delivery. This background helps him bridge the gap between design, surveying, and real-world constructability.

Detail-focused and highly diligent, Steve consistently delivers work to a high standard of quality and accuracy. He sets clear expectations for himself and others, leading from the front and actively engaging alongside his team. His strong work ethic, technical capability, and collaborative approach contribute to efficient site operations and well-executed project outcomes.

Anit is a respected Senior Foreman whose career progression – from labourer to leading hand, foreman, and now senior foreman – reflects his determination, work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement. His journey embodies the Knaggs Construction ethos: excellence achieved through skill, effort, and strong personal values.

With deep practical experience across all stages of civil construction, Anit brings a grounded and solutions-focused approach to project delivery. He excels at coordinating teams, managing program and resources, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard. His ability to anticipate challenges and maintain clear communication contributes significantly to smooth site operations and consistent project outcomes.

Collaborative by nature, Anit fosters a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team environment. He leads in a way that reflects the company’s core values, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and quality, earning the trust of colleagues, subcontractors, and clients alike. Anit’s leadership strengthens both our culture and our capability, making him a key figure in the ongoing success of Knaggs Construction’s delivery teams.

Eric is a highly skilled Senior Foreman and our Training and Quality Supervisor, recognised across the team for his exceptional craftsmanship and uncompromising attention to detail. Having progressed through the ranks over his career, Eric brings a deep, practical understanding of civil construction and sets the benchmark for workmanship across all Knaggs Construction projects.

Eric’s commitment to quality is second to none in the industry. He consistently delivers precise, durable, and meticulously executed work, and ensures that every task completed under his supervision meets the highest standards. As Training and Quality Supervisor, he plays a pivotal role in developing our people, sharing his knowledge, lifting capability, and embedding best-practice construction methods throughout the business.

Calm, thorough, and highly respected, Eric leads by example. His professionalism and dedication reinforce the company’s values, strengthen our delivery teams, and contribute significantly to Knaggs Construction’s reputation for excellence.

Edison is an experienced Foreman and highly skilled machine operator with a strong background in delivering complex, high-risk, and technically demanding civil projects across the Philippines, the Middle East, and New Zealand. His broad international experience gives him a deep understanding of diverse construction environments, methodologies, and safety requirements, enabling him to lead teams confidently in challenging conditions.

Edison is known for his exceptional operating skills, practical problem-solving, and calm, capable approach on site. Whether managing production, overseeing crew activities, or executing precision machine work, he consistently delivers high-quality results and keeps projects moving safely and efficiently.

A natural team-builder with a great sense of humour, Edison creates a positive, energetic work environment that lifts morale and strengthens collaboration. His professionalism, reliability, and ability to bring people together make him a key contributor to Knaggs Construction’s high-performing site teams.

Surend is a highly experienced Foreman and expert grader operator with close to 50 years in the civil construction industry across Fiji and New Zealand. His extensive background in pavement construction and asphalt paving makes him a true specialist in his field, widely respected for his precision, technical insight, and ability to deliver consistently high-quality results.

With decades of hands-on experience in shaping, finishing, and building durable pavements, Surend brings an unmatched level of craftsmanship to every project. His understanding of materials, compaction, levels, tolerances, and final finishes enables him to execute work with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, setting a standard that others aspire to.

As a foreman, Surend leads with confidence and strong practical judgement. His depth of knowledge provides valuable guidance to crews, ensuring work is completed safely, correctly, and to the highest professional standard. Surend’s expertise is a cornerstone of Knaggs Construction’s reputation for quality in pavement and asphalt works.

Mike is an experienced Foreman with a strong background in civil construction across the Philippines, the Middle East, and New Zealand. His broad international experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of diverse construction practices, site conditions, and delivery expectations, enabling him to manage crews and worksites with confidence and consistency.

Mike is known for his no-fuss, results-driven approach. He tackles challenges head-on, maintains steady progress on site, and ensures work is carried out safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Reliable, practical, and highly capable, Mike plays a key role in keeping projects on track and supporting the strong delivery performance Knaggs Construction is recognised for.