Rachel Jessica Te Ao Maarama House ONZM, who was born on 20 October 1971, is a renowned actress and filmmaker 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 remarkable work in acting and directing. Early life House was born in Auckland on 20 October 1971 and was brought 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. Her early stage work included collaborations with the Pacific Underground Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company. Her acting portfolio includes major productions that have toured both locally 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). In 1998, House made her screen debut in the short film Queenie and Pete. In 2002, she acted in the award-winning feature film Whale Rider. where she starred with a young Rose McIver. In 2008, House acted in Taika Waititi's first feature film, Eagle vs Shark. {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),