Welcome to the June 2026 edition of Hamptons Happenings!
The nights are getting longer, the jackets are back on, and the Hamptons crew is as lively as ever. Steve Gee has barely had time to unpack his desk before we’re putting him in the newsletter — but that’s what happens when you bring 15 years of construction know-how and a Spotify shuffle that defies all genre logic.
This month’s a mixed bag — new faces, fond farewells, and a moment to remember someone who was a real part of the Hamptons family for over 30 years.
In this issue we:
Welcome Steve Gee to the backline — 400m hurdler, rugby lifer, and proud Riccarton local joining the team
Remember Peter Jennings — a loyal customer, proud tradesman, and genuinely good bloke who’ll be greatly missed around the branch
Introduce Mar Torio — bungee-jumping yard legend, Golden State Warriors superfan, and our newest reason to stop by the yard
Farewell Andrew Blackler — nine-and-a-half years, one kart race trophy, and some unexpectedly smooth moves at the Court Theatre
Share a very important photo from the trade counter — because some things just can’t wait
Welcome to the team – Steve Gee
First cab off the rank this month is Steve Gee, who’s joined the Hamptons crew, bringing plenty of energy, experience, a massive Spotify playlist, and a refreshingly data-driven way of thinking after 15 years in the construction industry around Christchurch.
Steve’s a proud family man with three teenage kids (one of whom has already shot past him in height), and a true Riccarton local — born, raised, and still happily based there to this day. His first car was a Mazda Familia, his very first job was doing a milk run around the suburb, and proof that some things don’t need changing… he still lives close to where it all started.
Sport has always been a huge part of Steve’s life. With an athletics background in the 400m hurdles (insert pun about facing life’s hurdles here!) followed by an impressive rugby career behind him, (he racked up 186 Division One games over 13 seasons with HSOB, staying loyal to the one club the whole way), Steve has truly proved to be a man for all seasons, sporting seasons that is. These days, the boots are hung up thanks to one concussion too many, but he’s still giving back by coaching senior and Senior B rugby.
Before moving into construction, Steve spent time in hospitality as bar manager at the Speight’s Ale House at Tower Junction — a role he remembers very fondly, mostly for reasons involving free beer and discounted after-work pints, something you won’t be getting at Hamptons Steve!
A near-miss with being named Waylon Willie Gee (thanks to his mum’s strong views on country music), a proud Canterbury ITM Cup Championship win at the new stadium in 2012, a trial game for the Colts against the legendary 2007 All Blacks side, and a Maltese–Shih Tzu named Marshall (yes, after Eminem) all round out the bugling Steve Gee fact file nicely.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys pottering at home and listening to ALL the music — his Spotify shuffle is legendary for both its chaos and scope.
Welcome aboard, Steve — great to have you in the backline.
Peter Jennings
Everyone at Hamptons was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pete Jennings on April 22, 2026.
Peter was a long‑time and loyal customer of Hamptons, having traded with us for over 30 years through his business Jennings Joinery on Wilsons Road. Until his recent retirement, Peter was a familiar and much‑valued face around the branch — always arriving with a smile and a cheerful word, no matter how busy the day was.
After retiring, Peter was enjoying life to the full, making the most of overseas trips, weekends away, and time spent with fellow members of the Lotus Car Club — passions he spoke about with great enthusiasm whenever he popped in.
Peter’s legacy also lives on through his son Michael, who is following in his footsteps as a joiner and completed his apprenticeship under Peter’s guidance — a reflection of Peter’s skill, patience, and pride in his trade.
Peter will be remembered not just for his workmanship and loyalty, but for his kindness, humour, and genuine warmth. He will be greatly missed by the Hamptons team and many others across the trade.
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and loved ones at this time.
— The team at Hamptons
Introducing Marmito
What do the drive-thru, a Maltese shih tzu, and bungee jumping have in common? Introducing our newest yard person, Marmito Torio (Mar)! Mar comes to us highly recommended from the ITM Brand. He brings a wealth of drive-through and customer service experience, more importantly, though, he’s a great guy!
After moving to NZ from the Philippines in 2006, Mar spent 17 years in Queenstown. During his time there, he made his mark as arguably one of the bravest ITM employees on record – he completed every bungee jump in Aotearoa! Having done over ten jumps, his highlights included The Nevis Bungee, which is the highest in NZ, and the world’s first bungee at Kawarau Bridge. Ever adventurous, another favourite hobby of Mar’s is travelling. His favourite spots are Canada and the city of Juno in Alaska, which he says is surprisingly warm.
Despite all that globe-trotting, Mar’s greatest adventure is his family. He tells us that his favourite hobby is raising his four-year-old daughter, Amara, “enjoying the moment whilst she’s young”. Adorably, Amara gets her name from a combination of Marmito’s and his lovely partner of 17 years, Ramiza’s name. Completing their happy family is a cheeky wee Maltese shih tzu called Willow, whom Mar enjoys walking each night.
We feel very lucky to have Mar join our Hamptons family. Make sure you stop by and say hi to him next time you’re in; rumour has it he’ll light up if you mention Stephen Curry from the NBA Golden State Warriors!
Farewell Andrew Blackler
After several years with Hamptons ITM, we’re saying farewell to Andrew Blackler, who will be moving on from his role with the business.
Throughout his time with us, Andrew has been a highly valued member of the team, known for his detail-focused approach, strong product knowledge, and calm reliability. As Estimating and Quotes Coordinator, accuracy mattered — and Andrew made sure jobs were well-priced, well-documented, and done properly.
Around three years ago, Andrew returned from a European adventure, complete with stories of stunning cities, excellent food, and Florence, Italy, which clearly left a lasting impression. While the legendary five-hour slideshow never quite materialised, the trip itself has gone down as one of Andrew’s great adventures.
A couple of years ago, Andrew proved his competitive side at the inaugural Hamptons and Westlake Timber kart race. Officially, it was all about “team bonding.” Unofficially… Andrew won. And while he maintains it was just a bit of fun, the trophy sitting proudly on his desk suggests otherwise.
Andrew isn’t just competitive on the track either. Outside of work, he’s a keen gamer and Star Wars fan, with a methodical, considered approach that mirrors how he tackled his work — detail first, shortcuts never.
Many will also remember Andrew’s fearless appearance at the Court Theatre, where a performance reliant on audience participation saw him confidently take to the stage. While others sank lower in their seats, Andrew stepped up and delivered a memorable display — representing Hamptons ITM with confidence, style, and unexpectedly smooth moves.
Andrew has decided to move on with the intention of continuing to develop his skills, and we fully support him in this next step. He has been a respected and well-liked member of the team, and we sincerely thank him for the contribution he has made over the years.
All the best for what’s next, Andrew — you’ll be missed around Hamptons… and the desk might feel a bit empty without that trophy.
And finally, because everyone loves a cute dog photo:
Here is one of our trade counter team members with a recent visitor to the shop. Needless to say, there was much awwing and ahhing.
Best wishes,
David, Wendy, Don & Tracy, and the rest of the team at Hamptons ITM
