Following her studies, Peirse acted in theatrical productions such as
A Bear Called Paddington and
Three Sisters. In 1984, after a year in London, she began directing theatre, starting with
Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls at Theatre Corporate. Peirse again returned to New Zealand, to star in the 2001 coming of age film
Rain, playing the role of the disaffected, sophisticated Kate. Her performance earned her two Best Actress awards. as well as lead roles in
Cabaret,
Three Sisters,
A Streetcar Named Desire, and
Molly Sweeney. On 20 November 2025, Peirse was named in the cast for ABC series
Treasure & Dirt. ==Filmography==