Rachel House ONZM, (born 20 October 1971), is a New Zealand actress and director. She is celebrated for her collaborations with Taika Waititi in his films. She has received numerous accolades, such as the Arts Laureate, NZ Order of Merit, 'Mana Wahine' award from WIFT NZ, and Te Waipuna a Rangi (Matariki Awards) for her remarkable work in acting and directing. Early life She grew up in Kamo, Whangārei, with her adoptive Scottish parents, John and Sheila House. Her Māori iwi (tribal) affiliations are Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāi Tahu. Career Acting {House attended the New Zealand national drama school, Toi Whakaari, graduating in 1992. She focused on stage performances with the Pacific Underground Theatre and the Auckland Theatre Company. Her acting portfolio includes major productions that have toured both locally and internationally, including Hone Kouka's Waiora, Carol Anne Duffy's The Worlds Wife, and the UK/New Zealand co-production of Beauty and the Beast. She first appeared on screen in the 1998 short film Queenie and Pete. In 2002, she acted in the award-winning feature film Whale Rider. where she starred with a young Rose McIver. She took part in Taika Waititi's debut feature film, Eagle vs Shark, in 2008. {She has gone on to become a regular collaborator with Waititi, {appearing in his second film, Boy, in 2010, and providing acting coaching for the young actors on set|with roles in his second film, Boy (2010),