Rachel Jessica Te Ao Maarama House ONZM, born on 20 October 1971, is a director and actress from New Zealand. She is best known for her roles in the films of Taika Waititi. She has received numerous accolades, 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 She grew up in Kamo, Whangārei, with her adoptive Scottish parents, John and Sheila House. Her Māori iwi (tribal) affiliations are 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). Her screen debut came in 1998 with the short film Queenie and Pete. She played a role in Whale Rider, an award-winning film, in 2002. In 2005, she joined Maddigan's Quest as a series regular alongside a young Rose McIver. In 2008, House was featured in Taika Waititi's first feature film, Eagle vs Shark. {She continues to collaborate frequently 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),