Blackwater, Greywater & Tiny Homes: What You Actually Need to Know
Blackwater and greywater don’t have to be complicated. From septic and sewer connections to modern greywater filtration systems, this guide explains the practical, compliant wastewater options available for tiny homes in New Zealand — and how to choose what’s right for your site.
How to Choose the Right Tiny Home Builder in New Zealand(And Why “Cheap and Easy” Often Becomes Expensive and Stressful)
Choosing a tiny home builder is about far more than price or photos. From lawful workshop setups and health & safety systems to insurance, licensing, and supplier relationships, this guide explains what really separates reputable tiny home builders from risky operators — and how cutting corners behind the scenes can cost you dearly later.
Tiny Home Insurance in NZ (THOW + Granny Flats): what’s actually possible, what’s difficult, and how to avoid expensive gaps
Insurance for tiny homes in New Zealand can feel confusing — not because it’s impossible, but because a tiny home isn’t insured as just one thing. A tiny home on wheels or a consent-exempt granny flat moves through several insurance stages: while it’s being built, during transport, and once it’s placed on site. Each stage requires different cover, and missing one can leave you seriously exposed. This guide explains, in clear and practical terms, what insurance is actually available in NZ for THOWs and granny flats, what tends to be difficult, typical cost ranges, and how to avoid the most common (and expensive) gaps we see.
The Ultimate Guide to Financing Your Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) in NZ (2026)
Financing a tiny home on wheels in New Zealand isn’t as simple as getting a standard mortgage — but it is possible with the right structure and expectations. From using land equity and family guarantees to specialist tiny-home lenders and higher-deposit pathways, this guide explains the real finance options available, what banks actually look for, and how to approach lending without guesswork or misinformation.
Land Sharing for Tiny Home Living: A Practical Guide for Landowners & Tiny Home Owners
Land sharing is a key part of tiny home living in New Zealand — but it comes with important legal and planning considerations. This guide explains how land sharing works, the benefits for landowners and tiny home owners, and why resource consent matters.
Part 2: Granny Flats in New Zealand 2026: Granny Flats & Tiny Homes in 2026 — Yes, There Is a Sensible Way for Leased Land!
Are tiny homes really excluded from New Zealand’s new granny flat rules?
Short answer: no. Longer answer: the 2026 changes may actually open up some of the best opportunities we’ve seen in years — especially for people who want to own their home but lease the land.
While many assume granny flats must be fixed forever (and that leased land equals risk), the reality is far more encouraging. With compliant small dwellings, removable foundations like screw piles, and the new consent-free pathway for minor dwellings, there is a sensible, legal way forward — one that offers security without locking your future into concrete you don’t own.
If you’ve been wondering whether tiny home living still makes sense under the new rules, this one’s for you.
Part 1: Granny Flats in New Zealand 2026:What the New Rules Really Mean (Fact Check, Myths & Real Opportunities)
From 15 January 2026, new granny flat rules come into force across New Zealand — but much of what’s being said online is misleading, oversimplified, or just wrong.
This article explains what has actually changed, what hasn’t, and why “under 70m²” does not mean “no rules”. Written from Ruru’s real-world experience working daily with councils, planners, and engineers nationwide, it cuts through the noise to help you make informed decisions before you spend money.
No hype. No fear. Just practical clarity
Can I lease my land? How Landowners Can Create Income, Community, and Housing Solutions with Tiny Homes
Leasing land to a tiny home can create a steady income stream for landowners while offering safe, long-term housing for tiny home owners. In many cases, adding a second minor dwelling is already permitted under planning rules. Ruru Tiny Homes offers free nationwide land checks to help landowners understand what’s possible — quickly, clearly, and without obligation.
Is Tiny Home Living Right for You? An Honest Self-Assessment
Not sure if tiny home living is right for you? This honest guide helps you assess whether the tiny lifestyle suits your needs, habits, and expectations.
The True Cost of Tiny Home Living: Looking Beyond the Build Price
What does tiny home living really cost in NZ? This guide breaks down build, land, transport, infrastructure, and long-term running costs.
Tiny Home Compliance in New Zealand: What Actually Matters
Confused about tiny home compliance in NZ? This guide explains what really matters, common myths, and why cutting corners often costs more long-term.
Land Leasing for Tiny Homes in NZ: Everything You Need to Know
Land leasing makes tiny home living possible for many New Zealanders — but only when done properly. This guide breaks down how land leasing works, common risks to avoid, the reality of council consent, and how to create stable, compliant arrangements that actually last.
The Quick Guide to Tiny Homes in New Zealand
Thinking about a tiny home in New Zealand? This handy guide covers what tiny homes really are, costs, land options, compliance basics, and whether tiny living is right for you.
Let’s Talk Toilets (Yes, Really)
Let’s talk toilets—because in a tiny home, this decision matters more than you think.
From composting and incinerating to full flush systems connected to sewerage or holding tanks, tiny home toilets come with surprisingly big considerations. In this blog, Ruru Tiny Homes owner Fran Huelsmeyer breaks down the facts, the pros and cons, and the realities of each option—minus the fluff, stigma, and confusion. Whether you’re off-grid, urban, eco-driven, or simply want things to feel “normal,” this is your no-nonsense (and slightly entertaining) guide to choosing the right toilet for tiny living.

