Rachel Jessica Te Ao Maarama House ONZM, (born 20 October 1971), is a New Zealand actress and director. She gained fame for her performances in Taika Waititi's films. She is the recipient of various awards, including an Arts Laureate, NZ Order of Merit, 'Mana Wahine' from WIFT NZ, and Te Waipuna a Rangi (Matariki Awards) for her contributions as an actor and director. Early life House was born on 20 October 1971 in Auckland and grew up in Kamo, Whangārei by her adoptive Scottish parents, John and Sheila House. Her tribal affiliations are with Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ātiawa, and Ngāi Tahu. Career Acting {House graduated in 1992 from the New Zealand national drama school, Toi Whakaari. She went into stage work 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. Her screen debut came in 1998 with the short film Queenie and Pete. In 2002, she appeared in the award-winning feature film Whale Rider. In 2005, she joined Maddigan's Quest as a series regular alongside a young Rose McIver. She took part in Taika Waititi's debut feature film, Eagle vs Shark, in 2008. {She has gone on to become a regular collaborator 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),