Rachel House

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rachel House stands out for her trailblazing efforts in New Zealand cinema, particularly in amplifying Māori voices through her performances and direction. She broke ground with her role in Whale Rider, one of the first films to gain global attention for indigenous stories, and her voice work in Moana reached millions, making her a key figure in family animation. Her 2021 ONZM award marks her as one of the few actors to earn national recognition for blending cultural heritage with mainstream success, including directing a Māori-language film in 2024 that highlights youth and spirituality.

AwardsRachel House has won several honors for her work in acting and directing, including the Order of New Zealand Merit in 2021 for her contributions to film and theater. She also received awards like the Arts Laureate and Mana Wahine, recognizing her impact on Māori storytelling and cultural representation.

Honours & Distinctions

Order of New Zealand Merit (ONZM)

New Zealand Government·2021

Recognized for services to acting, directing, and Māori culture in film and theater

Arts Laureate

Arts Foundation of New Zealand·2020

Award for exceptional contributions as a New Zealand artist in acting and directing

Mana Wahine Award

Women in Film and Television New Zealand·2020

Honored for advancing opportunities for Māori women in the screen industry

Te Waipuna a Rangi

Matariki Awards·2020

Award for excellence in acting and directing with a focus on cultural contributions