Rachel House, (born 20 October 1971), is a director and actress from New Zealand. She gained fame for her performances in Taika Waititi's films. She is the recipient of various awards, including an Arts Laureate, NZ Order of Merit, 'Mana Wahine' from WIFT NZ, and Te Waipuna a Rangi (Matariki Awards) for her contributions as an actor and director. 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 studied at Toi Whakaari, the New Zealand national drama school, and graduated 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. 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 was a regular cast member in Maddigan's Quest alongside a young Rose McIver. She took part in Taika Waititi's debut feature film, Eagle vs Shark, in 2008. {She has maintained a strong professional partnership 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),