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 has earned many prestigious honors, 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 October 20, 1971, in Auckland and was brought 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 graduated in 1992 from the New Zealand national drama school, Toi Whakaari. She began working on stage with the Pacific Underground Theatre and the 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. She played a role in Whale Rider, an award-winning film, in 2002. In 2005, she became a series regular on Maddigan's Quest alongside a young Rose McIver. She took part in Taika Waititi's debut feature film, Eagle vs Shark, in 2008. {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),