Shane Opal Warning - A Costly Scam for NZ Tiny Home Buyers
If you're in the market for a tiny home in New Zealand, there’s one name you need to be cautious of - Shane Opal (also known as Shane Black). This individual has been linked to a series of scams involving container homes and portable buildings, leaving multiple Kiwis thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The Scam - How It Worked
Shane operated under multiple business names and targeted unsuspecting buyers through online listings, social media platforms, and local community groups.
Here’s how the scam usually unfolded:
He promised high-quality tiny homes or container builds at below-market prices.
Buyers were asked to pay large deposits upfront - often $20,000 to $40,000.
After receiving the money, Shane would go silent - no delivery, no communication, no refund.
Victims were often left without any legal recourse due to lack of formal contracts or verifiable business credentials.
This scam didn’t just affect one or two people - it’s believed several individuals and families were targeted across the country.
Real Stories - Real Losses
A family in Waikato paid a $30,000 deposit for a tiny home they never received. Despite repeated follow-ups, they got no response and were left without shelter or reimbursement.
In another case, victims created a Facebook group to share their experiences and warn others. Through the group, they uncovered a pattern of behaviour that stretched back years - including name changes, vanishing bank accounts, and empty promises.
Some individuals had even made payments based on verbal agreements or informal invoices, making it harder to recover losses legally.
These are real Kiwis who were trying to build homes for their families - and ended up with nothing.
What We Can Learn - How to Protect Yourself
The tiny home market is growing fast - but unfortunately, that attracts opportunists. Here are some simple but critical steps you can take to avoid falling into the same trap:
Do your due diligence - Always ask for references, check business registration numbers, visit physical addresses, and verify social media pages and websites.
Avoid upfront payments - Never pay large sums without a legally binding contract, and avoid businesses that only accept direct bank transfers or ask for secrecy.
Look for verified reviews - Use platforms like Google Reviews, Builderscrack, and NoCowboys to confirm a company’s legitimacy.
Ask for certifications - Reputable builders should be able to provide documentation that shows compliance with the New Zealand Building Code, including engineering sign-off, LBP registration, and council consent support.
Be cautious of heavy discounts - If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Scammers often lure in buyers by undercutting market prices significantly.
Final Thoughts
The Shane Opal case is a harsh reminder that not everyone in the industry is honest. While most tiny home companies in New Zealand are doing great work - building quality, code-compliant homes - there are a few bad actors giving the industry a bad name.
If you're serious about buying a tiny home, take your time, ask questions, and protect your investment. A real builder will never rush you into a decision or shy away from showing proof of their work.
