About us
Welcome to the New Zealand Tiny House Association. We're a member-based association that represents both manufacturers and Tiny House owners in the legal realm of Tiny House on Wheels in New Zealand. Our goal is to establish a national approach that overcomes the legal inconsistencies facing the tiny house community, enabling people to live in Tiny Houses on Wheels with ease. We're fully committed to improving the legal pathway to tiny house living in New Zealand.
Our Purpose
The Tiny House Association aims to support its members in building and living in tiny houses. The organization has several objectives, which include providing information about tiny house construction and dwelling, promoting a social and political environment that is conducive to tiny house building and living, and educating members about the quality and safety of tiny houses. The association also aims to collaborate with government agencies, educational institutions, development organisations, and private industry to achieve these objectives. Additionally, the organization seeks to highlight the financial, affordability incentives, environmental benefits, and compact urban and rural form advantages of tiny housing. The association monitors government legislation and makes representations where necessary. Furthermore, the organization aims to foster good fellowship and enjoyment of the tiny house lifestyle among members, promote New Zealand-based tiny house events, and publish newsletters, reports, and other documents for the benefit of members. Lastly, the association aims to help members obtain better terms related to tiny house ownership and operation, including road charges, taxes, license fees, insurance, registration, and purchase discounts.
Our Beginnings
The NZ Tiny House Expo sparked discussions about the need for a national organisation to support the growth of the Tiny House movement in New Zealand. The current planning and building regulatory landscape for Tiny Houses is highly uncertain, leading to confusion for consumers, regulators, and the market as a whole. This uncertainty has resulted in ad hoc outcomes and frustrations for both the tiny house industry and owners, as well as the wider New Zealand community. In response to this need, the New Zealand Tiny House Association was established in 2019. The organization seeks to assist planners, policy makers, and the wider community in gaining a better understanding of the emerging Tiny House movement in New Zealand. Additionally, the association aims to explore the potential of Tiny Houses to contribute to greater choice in housing supply and diversity. By doing so, the association hopes to create a more supportive environment for the growth of the Tiny House movement in New Zealand.
Member Code of Conduct
As representatives of the New Zealand Tiny House Association (NZTHA), members must ensure that their activities align with the purpose of the association. The use of the NZTHA logo and referencing is subject to approval by the committee. Professional conduct is expected from members when dealing with clients, other members, and the public. NZTHA members are also expected to adhere to safe building and business practices. Should members' personal or business interests conflict with the activities of NZTHA, they are expected to raise the issue proactively. The association offers opportunities for activities, sponsorships, and marketing to all commercial and not-for-profit advertising memberships. Those interested in becoming members are encouraged to join the association.
What is a Tiny House / THOW?
The term "tiny house" does not have a standardized definition, but generally refers to dwellings that are 400 square feet (37.16 m2) or less. A Tiny House is a structure that is fixed to the land, has the character and functionality of a permanent house, and is comparable in scale to a large caravan or recreational vehicle (RV). On the other hand, a Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) also has the character and functionality of a permanent house, but is built on a trailer, making it a mobile unit that is not fixed to the land. THOWs are often likened to a large caravan or RV in terms of their size and mobility.