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Rachel House

Actor [Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga]

Toi Whakaari acting graduate Rachel House, ONZM, won her first theatre award in 1998, around the time she debuted on screen in short film Queenie and Pete. Since then she has shown her gift for comedy and drama in The Life and Times of Te TutuWhale Rider, and White Lies — and won new fans as a hilariously driven welfare officer in Hunt for the Wilderpeople. In 2021, she co-starred in both Cousins and Penguin Bloom. She has also worked extensively as a voice actor in Hollywood including major roles in films Moana and Soul and directed for the theatre. Her directorial debut in feature film is coming-of-age tale The Mountain (2024).

I was told I’d never make it as an actor . . . some kind of counsellor or teacher said, 'you probably wouldn’t make it as an actor' then I started doing quite well in acting and had people tell me I couldn’t do screen . . . But these moments are great. It’s saying you’re not capable enough, and that’s where you really have to ask yourself, 'Am I capable enough?' And generally speaking the answer is yes. Rachel House, in an interview for website The Spinoff, 27 October 2017

Thumbnail image for Rachel House: From Whale Rider to White Lies…
Interview

Rachel House: From Whale Rider to White Lies…

Interview, 2013

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Interview

ScreenTalk Short: Rachel House

Interview, 2019

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The Mountain

2024, Director, Writer - Film

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Cousins

2021, As: Missy - Film

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Millie Lies Low

2021, As: Marlene - Film

Thumbnail image for Baby Done

Baby Done

2020, As: Principal - Film

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Bellbird

2019, As: Connie, As: Connie - Film

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The Rehearsal

2016, As: Rewia - Film

Thumbnail image for Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

2016, As: Paula - Film

Thumbnail image for Find Me a Māori Bride

Find Me a Māori Bride

2015 - 2017, As: Kuini - Television

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Whānau (2014)

2014, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Hope and Wire - Full Series

Hope and Wire - Full Series

2014, As: Joycie Waru - Television

Thumbnail image for Hope and Wire

Hope and Wire

2014, As: Joycie Waru - Television

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The Pā Boys

2014, Additional Casting - Film

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The Waterside

2014, As: Joycie Waru - Music video

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White Lies

2013, As: Maraea - Film

Thumbnail image for Aroha Bridge

Aroha Bridge

2019, As: Whaea Bubbles - Web

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The Blue Rose

2013, As: Tina - Television

Thumbnail image for Super City - First Episode

Super City - First Episode

2011, As: Roimata - Television

Thumbnail image for Super City

Super City

2011 - 2013, As: Roimata - Television

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Boy

2010, As: Aunty Gracey - Film

Thumbnail image for One Land - Full Series

One Land - Full Series

2009, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for Dirty Bloody Hippies

Dirty Bloody Hippies

2009, Narrator - Film

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Eagle vs Shark

2007, As: Nancy (Jarrod's sister) - Film

Thumbnail image for Kōrero Mai - Series Five, Episode One

Kōrero Mai - Series Five, Episode One

2007, Co-Director - Television

Thumbnail image for Frontseat - Who Can Play Māori

Frontseat - Who Can Play Māori

2006, Subject - Television

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Maddigan's Quest

2005, As: Goneril - Television

Thumbnail image for Maddigan's Quest - First Episode

Maddigan's Quest - First Episode

2005, As: Goneril - Television

Thumbnail image for Ask Your Auntie

Ask Your Auntie

2004 - 2007, Panelist - Television

Thumbnail image for Whale Rider

Whale Rider

2002, As: Shilo - Film

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Mataku

2001 - 2005, As: Rachel - Television

Thumbnail image for Whānau (2001)

Whānau (2001)

2001, Narrator - Television

Thumbnail image for The Life and Times of Te Tutu

The Life and Times of Te Tutu

2000 - 2001, As: Hine Toa - Television

Thumbnail image for The Life and Times of Te Tutu - Series One

The Life and Times of Te Tutu - Series One

2000, As: Hine Toa - Television

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Tiger Country

1998, As: Faenza Thompson - Television

Thumbnail image for In the Shadow of King Lear

In the Shadow of King Lear

1996, Subject - Television