Rachel House ONZM, (born 20 October 1971), is a renowned actress and filmmaker from New Zealand. 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. She has Māori iwi (tribal) connections to Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāi Tahu. Career Acting {House attended the New Zealand national drama school, Toi Whakaari, graduating in 1992. Her early stage work included collaborations with the Pacific Underground Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company. She has acted in several major productions that have toured nationally 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). Her screen debut came in 1998 with the short film Queenie and Pete. She played a role in Whale Rider, an award-winning film, in 2002. In 2005, she became a series regular on Maddigan's Quest alongside a young Rose McIver. In 2008, House acted in Taika Waititi's first feature film, Eagle vs Shark. {She continues to collaborate frequently 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),