I’m Fran Huelsmeyer, and together with my husband Daniel, we run Ruru Tiny Homes.

Our journey started in 2020, born out of a simple idea during the uncertainty of a global pandemic. What began as a small concept quickly grew into a thriving family business. Before we knew it, we had a team of up to 70 builders, plus skilled tradesmen and contractors, all working side-by-side in our yard in Motueka. At times, we had as many as 16 tiny homes being built at once, each in a different stage of construction. It was fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding — and it still is!

We’re driven by a clear mission: to provide New Zealanders with affordable, high-quality, and ethical housing solutions. From first-time homeowners and young families to retirees and those looking for a smart investment, we’ve seen how tiny homes can change lives. It’s been incredible to watch people from all walks of life find their own sense of freedom, security, and stability through tiny living.

Fran Huelsmeyer brings a strong professional background in communications, marketing, and public relations to Ruru Tiny Homes. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing and has worked with large international brands across marketing and PR roles before co-founding the family business. Clients value Fran’s clear, face-to-face approach and her commitment to honest, reliable, and transparent communication, ensuring every enquiry, decision, and conversation is handled with care, clarity, and respect.

Daniel Huelsmeyer brings a unique legal perspective to Ruru Tiny Homes. He is a former barrister overseas and has recently completed his Master of Laws (LLM) with Distinction at the University of Auckland, with advanced study across resource consent processes, council decision-making, and the legal frameworks relevant to tiny homes and alternative housing in New Zealand. This expertise allows Ruru to offer informed, practical guidance on council matters and an in-depth, case-by-case review of individual property situations, helping clients understand consent pathways with clarity and confidence.

At the heart of Ruru Tiny Homes is the belief that who leads a company matters, especially when that company is building homes. A skilled, hands-on management team sets the standard for builders, carpenters, tradespeople, and suppliers alike — guiding quality, ethics, and accountability at every stage of the build. At Ruru, every home is created under the direct leadership of its owners, with standards we are proud to put our own names behind, ensuring each home reflects the care, responsibility, and integrity we would expect for our own family.

At Ruru, we refuse to compromise on our values. Our homes are built using only New Zealand-made materials, crafted with precision, care, and a strong focus on sustainability. We minimize waste, increase efficiency, and operate with complete transparency. There are no hidden costs, no nasty surprises — just honest, fixed pricing.

But our commitment doesn’t stop with our customers. We believe that supporting our staff and suppliers is equally important. We prioritize fair pay (above the living wage), ethical employment, and strong, respectful supplier relationships. This isn't just good business — it’s the right thing to do.

These values are deeply personal to us. In fact, we now live in one of our own tiny homes — a 12x3m double-storey beauty — with our four young sons and our dog. Downsizing wasn’t easy, but it was absolutely worth it. Our home is cozy, organized, and filled with everything we need. It’s living proof that tiny doesn’t mean less — it means better.

We stand behind every Ruru Tiny Home with pride and integrity. Our homes are more than just buildings; they’re safe havens, new beginnings, and opportunities for a more intentional way of living. Every decision we make — from the materials we use to the way we treat our team and customers — is rooted in fairness, honesty, and respect.

If you're thinking about tiny living, we’d love to help you on that journey. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family home, a guest retreat, a rental investment, or a fresh start, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, and we’re committed to protecting it. When you choose Ruru, you’re choosing a team that cares as much about your home as you do.

We look forward to working with you!