Rachel Jessica Te Ao Maarama House ONZM, who was 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 is the recipient of various awards, such as the Arts Laureate, NZ Order of Merit, 'Mana Wahine' award from WIFT NZ, and Te Waipuna a Rangi (Matariki Awards) for her contributions as 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 attended the New Zealand national drama school, Toi Whakaari, graduating 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). She first appeared on screen in the 1998 short film Queenie and Pete. She played a role in Whale Rider, an award-winning film, in 2002. where she starred with a young Rose McIver. In 2008, House appeared in Taika Waititi's first feature film, Eagle vs Shark. {She has maintained a strong professional partnership 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),