Rachel House ONZM, who was born on 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 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) recognizing her contributions as both an actor and director. Early life House was born in Auckland on 20 October 1971 and was brought up in Kamo, Whangārei by 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. 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). She first appeared on screen in the 1998 short film Queenie and Pete. In 2002, she appeared 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 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),