So, picture this: it’s 2018, and I’m in the throes of building my own tiny house. And by “throes,” I mean I’m wading through a swamp of information, and enough red tape to wrap a dozen Christmas presents. Every step was a lesson, and often, those lessons came with a hefty price tag. I thought I was ready for the challenge, but honestly, I felt like I was starring in an episode of a reality TV show where the prize was freedom and the consolation prize was… well, financial despair.
After a series of what I now fondly call "learning opportunities", and some not-so-fondly remembered financial mistakes, I finally made it. And let me tell you, moving into that tiny house felt like hitting the reset button on my life. Suddenly, I had more freedom, less clutter, and more time to focus on what truly mattered to me. And that’s when I realized I couldn’t be the only one searching for this kind of change. Surely, others were out there, facing the same obstacles, making the same mistakes, and needing a little help along the way.
And that, my friends, is how the Tiny House Expo was born. I wanted to create a space where people could gather, share advise and stories, and get the support they needed to transition into tiny house living without all the drama. Fast forward to now, and we’re gearing up for our 9th event from October 11-13 at the Auckland Showgrounds, and I couldn’t be more excited!
This Year’s Expo: The Ultimate Tiny House Starter Pack
So, what’s in store for you this year? Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the tiny house world or you’re already planning your dream build, our lineup of talks is packed with all the essentials you need to start your journey on the right foot, this year’s expo is like your real life personal “For You” page, that’s packed with all the life-changing information to get started.
1. Getting Legal: Understanding the Rules of Tiny Living
Let’s face it, nobody likes dealing with regulations, but knowing the rules can be the difference between smooth sailing and hitting an iceberg. Rebecca McLean from New Zealand Tiny House Builders will break down the legal landscape, making it super simple to understand what’s required and how to navigate those murky council waters. So, if you want to avoid that “Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no” moment down the line, Rebecca’s talk is a must.
2. Design Like a Boss: Making the Most of Your Tiny Space
Want your tiny home to feel spacious and stylish? Enter Shaye Boddington from Shaye’s Tiny Homes. She’s going to drop some major knowledge on smart design. She’ll be sharing insider tips on everything from multifunctional furniture to clever use of color and light. By the end of her session, your Pinterest boards won’t know what hit them.
3. Finding the Perfect Plot: Where to Park Your Tiny Home
Okay, so you’ve got your dream tiny house, but where on earth do you put it? Ryan Stevens from Our Tiny Project and Bayleys Real Estate is here to help you figure out how to find and secure the ideal spot. He’s got all the strategies, whether you’re looking to buy or lease, and he’ll guide you through the ins and outs of land hunting.
4. Show Me the Money: Financing Your Tiny Dream
Let’s get real, building a tiny house isn’t free, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than traditional housing. Tim Oliver from Tiny Homes Finance NZ will help you make sense of all the financial options out there. Think of him as your personal finance guru, breaking down loans and tips in a way that makes you go, “Ohhh, I get it now.”
5. Living Off-Grid: The Ultimate Tiny House Adventure
Thinking about going off-grid? Jacob Willis from Off Grid Collective will teach you everything you need to know to set up self-sustaining systems. Whether it’s solar panels, rainwater harvesting, or composting toilets, he’s got the knowledge to get you off-grid and loving it.
6. Ready, Set, Tiny: Preparing for Tiny House Living
Rebecca from Tiny House Mastery will guide you through the practical steps of preparing for your tiny house journey. From budgeting to downsizing, she’s got all the tips to help you get tiny-ready with minimal stress.
7. Tiny House Prep: The Ultimate Checklist
Feeling overwhelmed about where to start? No worries, Rebecca from Tiny House Mastery has got your back. She’ll walk you through budgeting, downsizing, and all the nitty-gritty details you need to tackle before making the leap. Think of this as your "tiny house starter kit," minus the packaging.
Why You Need to Be There
So, why should you join us at the Tiny House Expo this year? Because, my friend, tiny house living isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that offers freedom, simplicity, and a way to focus on what truly matters. It’s about stepping off the hamster wheel and finding a new pace, one that suits you.
Whether you’re dreaming of building your tiny home, figuring out where to park it, or just curious about what this whole tiny living thing is all about, the expo has something for everyone. You'll walk away with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to start or continue your tiny house journey!
So, grab your tickets now at tinyhouseexpo.co.nz and join us for a weekend of fun, and inspiration. Who knows, you might just find your people, and your new tiny house dream.
