Rachel House

Rachel House, born on October 20, 1971, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a talented actress, director, and writer of Māori descent, with ties to the Kai Tahu, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāti Mutunga iwi. Raised in Kamo, Whangārei, by Scottish adoptive parents, she developed a passion for the performing arts early on, which led her to graduate from Toi Whakaari, New Zealand’s national drama school, in 1992. Rachel’s career has spanned acting, directing, and writing, with notable collaborations with filmmaker Taika Waititi. She’s been featured in iconic films like “Whale Rider,” “Boy,” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” and is also known for her voice acting roles as Gramma Tala in Disney’s “Moana” and Terry in Pixar’s “Soul.” In 2024, she made her debut as a director with “The Mountain,” a poignant drama about children seeking healing. Throughout her career, Rachel has earned widespread recognition, including prestigious awards such as the New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate Award and the WIFT NZ Mana Wāhine Award. Her advocacy for indigenous voices and stories, both in New Zealand and internationally, further cements her legacy as an influential figure in the arts.