Rachel House, who was born on 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, 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 on 20 October 1971 in Auckland and raised in Kamo, Whangārei by her adoptive Scottish parents, John and Sheila House. Her tribal affiliations are with 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. 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). In 1998, House made her screen debut in the short film Queenie and Pete. In 2002, she acted in the award-winning feature film Whale Rider. In 2005, she joined Maddigan's Quest as a series regular alongside a young Rose McIver. In 2008, House appeared 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),