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, including an Arts Laureate, NZ Order of Merit, 'Mana Wahine' from WIFT NZ, and Te Waipuna a Rangi (Matariki Awards) for her remarkable work in acting and directing. Early life House was born on 20 October 1971 in Auckland and was brought up in Kamo, Whangārei by her adoptive Scottish parents, John and Sheila House. She has Māori iwi (tribal) connections to Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāi Tahu. Career Acting {House graduated in 1992 from the New Zealand national drama school, Toi Whakaari. She focused on stage performances with the Pacific Underground Theatre and the Auckland Theatre Company. She has acted in several major productions that have toured nationally and internationally, including Hone Kouka's Waiora, Carol Anne Duffy's The Worlds Wife, and the UK/New Zealand co-production of Beauty and the Beast. 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 acted 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),