Updates & Happenings

Welcome to the February edition of Hamptons Happenings. We hope you’re back in the swing of things after the break, even if your holiday involved more “soggy tents” than “sunny beaches” this year.

While the summer weather has been a bit hit-or-miss, things are definitely heating up at Hamptons ITM. This month, we are thrilled to introduce a new face to the Hamptons family who brings a serious amount of skill (and some great stories) to the shop floor.

We’ve also rounded up some trade-certified camping hacks to help you make the most of the remaining long weekends, along with some deals on Paslode and Makita that are too good to miss.

In this issue we:

• Introduce Rachel O’Brien Hamilton, our multi-talented new team member who knows as much about boat building as she does about Magic: The Gathering.

• Hand over the keys to our Instagram account and prepare for things to get a little wild on the ‘gram.

• Share Rowan’s “pro-tip” for securing your tent in a gale using Ecko construction screws.

• Bundle up a massive Paslode deal that includes a 70L chilly bin and a spare battery.

• Share a laugh with this month’s dose of Hamptons Humour.

Whether you’re looking for the right paint, a new nailer, or just want to talk about set design and theater, come in and see the team. We’re here to make your building life easier.

However, this theatrical bent has remained with her; she is still heavily involved in the theatre, both making costumes and building sets. In fact, she is currently up to her neck making costumes for Carrie: The Musical, running 7-14 March 2026. (Get your tickets here: Tickets — MUSOC)

Rachel is incredibly hands-on. What began as helping her father with projects as a child eventually escalated to her building her own boat, an enterprise that won her a national award. It’s a shame they couldn’t find a trailer to move the boat, and it has now sat next to Rachel’s garage for ten years without once having kissed the sea. However, if this rainy summer continues, it may yet find its own way to float away!

Outside of ambitious projects, Rachel engages in some first-class nerdery: she plays Magic: The Gathering and has recently dipped her toe into the world of D&D. At home with her two cats, Rupert and Claire, and her husband Kelvin, life is pretty sweet, and a shiny new role at Hamptons ITM is the final piece of the jigsaw.

We all welcome Rachel to the Hamptons family. Be sure to introduce yourself to her next time you are in the store.

She’s only been here five minutes, but Rachel has already grabbed control of the Instagram account!

Expect to see a lot more action over there in the coming months as Rachel imposes her own unique style on our social media presence. She’s already making waves and bombarding us all with enthusiastic ideas. STAY TUNED; it’s about to get wild.

Rowan recommends using Ecko screws in lieu of tent pegs, using an impact driver to put them in. The Ecko M10 x 200mm construction screws are ideal for this application (only $32 for a box of 25..!). With these in play, there is absolutely no chance of your tent going anywhere.

Holding an impressive 48 large bottles of beer, this chilly bin comes free when purchasing the Paslode Pair (FrameMaster & Angled TrimMaster), currently running out the door at $1,990 including GST.

Alex is feeling extra generous and will even throw in a spare battery with this deal (although, sadly, no beers for the new chilly bin).

We’re here to make your building life easier, and to help make your summer better, too. Come in and see the team; they’re always keen to help.