Rachel House ONZM, who was born on 20 October 1971, is a New Zealand actress and director. She is celebrated for her collaborations with Taika Waititi in his films. She is the recipient of various awards, 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 studied at Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand national drama school, and graduated in 1992. Her early stage work included collaborations with the Pacific Underground Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company. Her acting portfolio includes major productions that have toured both locally and internationally, notable works such as Hone Kouka's Waiora, Carol Anne Duffy's The Worlds Wife, and Beauty and the Beast (a UK/New Zealand co-production). In 1998, House made her screen debut in the short film Queenie and Pete. She played a role in Whale Rider, an award-winning film, in 2002. In 2005, she joined Maddigan's Quest as a series regular alongside a young Rose McIver. In 2008, House acted in Taika Waititi's first feature film, Eagle vs Shark. {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),