Rachel Jessica Te Ao Maarama House ONZM, (born 20 October 1971), is a New Zealand actress and director. She is celebrated for her collaborations with Taika Waititi in his 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) recognizing her contributions as both 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 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. 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). She first appeared on screen in the 1998 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),