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
Selwyn Knaggs
Managing Director
Selwyn founded Knaggs Construction Limited in 1982 following training and employment with Bitumix/Winstone Civil and experience as the company engineer for earthmoving and roading contractors N.D.Giles Limited and Ross Reid Limited.
Quality of work and Selwyn’s reputation have ensured a proud history of repeat clients. Selwyn continues to advance a hands-on approach in the KCL team and promises client satisfaction through exactness to detail while ensuring Health and Safety and Environmental standards are maintained.
Selwyn has assembled Knaggs Construction’s extensive schedule of modern plant and machinery which is maintained in-house in our well-equipped workshop and by our mobile technicians to ensure reliability. Our fleet is accompanied by a suite of construction technology including up-to-date software, total station, and drone technology to enable greater responsiveness and accuracy.
The long tenure of Knaggs Construction Ltd’s team members is reflective of Selwyn’s attitude that employees are the company’s most valuable asset.
Chris Knaggs
General Manager
Chris is the son of Managing Director Selwyn Knaggs and has worked for Knaggs Construction for over 27 years. Chris has worked in every role at Knaggs Construction from Labour, Plant Operator, Foreman, Surveyor, to Project Manager and has been our General Manager since 2013.
Chris mentors and leads the Knaggs Construction team to continually deliver successful projects. Chris has high expectations that he places on himself and his team to complete the job to the highest quality standard and ensuring all work is carried out in a safe manner. Chris works closely with clients to understand their criteria for a successful project, and ensures cost savings are passed on and that projects are undertaken with the end result in mind.
Chris spearheads a diverse, inclusive, and learning organisation and actively fosters the growth and professional development of team members - a symptom of the philosophy that company employees are its most valuable resource.
Chris Witty
Construction Manager
Chris is a well-versed and hands-on civil and infrastructure construction professional with experience delivering projects, and leading and managing teams in the workplace since 2005. He has worked on notable construction projects in Auckland including on the Greenhithe Motorway, Spaghetti-Junction, and Highbrook Drive, as well as managing the construction of both green and brown-field projects throughout Brisbane and in remote locations in Queensland, Australia.
Chris executes each of Knaggs Construction’s projects with thoroughness, a passion for first-tier quality, and strong safety and environmental focus. Chris works closely with construction teams to ensure resilience, depth of knowledge, experience, and respect for meeting or exceeding client expectations.
Dene McGrath
Workshop Manager
Dene has an extensive background in the transport industry. Under his guidance, the workshop facilities are capable of all maintenance requirements and he ensures immediate appropriate response to any breakdown or service.
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 plants, machinery, vehicles, and small plant to maximise reliability. Dene provides plant and machinery competency assessments for new employees and regularly updates all employees on safe usage practices.
Shirley Fisher
Office Manager
Shirley is a qualified and experienced contract administration and customer services professional, having performed this role with Knaggs Construction for over 19 years, and previously working as a financial consultant with a prominent government agency.
Shirley oversees all invoicing and accounts management, office management, job costing, and recording.
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 knowledgeable and hands-on civil professional. He is well-versed in surveying and using Civil 3D. He is also the elected company Health and Safety Representative.
Mohit has a keen eye for detail and strong technical competence. He works closely with the Construction Manager and Foremen to deliver high-quality work in an efficient and timely manner. Mohit has a strong passion for site safety.