Rita Ora described becoming a stepmother to Taika Waititi’s daughters as a “real eye opener” that transformed her outlook on life. The singer, 35, and the filmmaker tied the knot in a secret ceremony in August 2022, after which Rita took on the role of stepmother to Taika’s children, Te Kāinga o te Hinekāhu, 13, and Matewa Kiritapu, nine. Reflecting on her new family life, Rita shared how this experience brought a deeper understanding of what truly matters beyond daily concerns, revealing the impact of this role on her perspective.
Daily Life and Family Dynamics with Taika’s Kids
Rita explained that stepping into the role of a stepmum felt natural and “really easy,” describing how family routines have become a bonding activity. She mentioned their morning workouts together, with the children using treadmills nearby, emphasizing the sense of togetherness in their household. Rita shared,
“We wake up, we work out together with the kids running on the treadmills, it’s a family affair.”
This new role has not only created meaningful family moments but also broadened Rita’s understanding of life’s complexities.
“I have to say it’s been a real eye-opener to understand that sometimes there’s more to life than what you care about in that moment,”
she said.
“I’ve realised there’s so much more, so [becoming a stepmum] did give me that.”
Taika, 50, shares his children with ex-wife Chelsea Winstanley, with whom he was married for seven years before their separation in 2018.
Behind the Scenes of Rita and Taika’s Relationship
Before their marriage, Rita and Taika were close friends for five years, a foundation which Rita credits as the key to their strong romantic bond. In an interview with Hunger magazine, she described their relationship as rooted in deep friendship, saying,
“Taika and I are basically just best friends and we wanted to just live in that element forever, I guess.”
The couple’s wedding was a low-profile event in Los Angeles, kept private for a year following the August 2022 ceremony. Rita, who proposed to Taika, reflected on their spontaneous approach: their wedding was “winged with zero planning,” she told Grazia. She also shared that after several challenging relationships during her “messy twenties,” her connection with Taika felt both “right and safe.”
Rita’s Past Relationships Before Meeting Taika Waititi
Prior to her relationship with Taika, Rita’s romantic history included several high-profile names. At 18, she dated Bruno Mars in the early days of their careers, recalling fondly that it was “love at first sight.” She explained how they met at Roc Nation, where Bruno was just beginning his career as a songwriter.
“We met in 2009. I was 18 and starting out at Roc Nation. Bruno was unknown back then too. He was a struggling songwriter hired to write songs for me. I thought:
Wow, that’s just the world’s greatest guy!
”
Following Bruno Mars, Rita briefly dated reality star Rob Kardashian from October 2012, a relationship that ended due to conflicting lifestyles and her demanding schedule. Other notable past relationships include DJ Calvin Harris, musician Andrew Watt, and Ricky Hilfiger, the son of designer Tommy Hilfiger. She has also been linked to rapper A$AP Rocky, actor Andrew Garfield, and musician Travis Barker.
The Significance of Stepmum Life in Rita’s Journey
Rita Ora’s reflections on becoming a stepmother reveal a significant chapter in her personal growth, highlighting how the experience reshaped her understanding of family and priorities. Her close bond with Taika Waititi and his daughters demonstrates how blended families can create new, meaningful connections. As Rita continues to embrace her role, her insights offer a hopeful look at how love and friendship can evolve into a strong, supportive family unit.
