In a candid and revealing interview, global pop sensation Rita Ora has offered a rare glimpse into her personal life, describing her experience of becoming a stepmother as a profound "eye-opener." The 35-year-old singer, known for hits like "Ask and You Shall Receive," opened up about her role within the blended family she shares with Oscar-winning director and actor Taika Waititi.
A Whirlwind Romance and Impromptu Nuptials
Rita Ora and Taika Waititi formalised their relationship in 2022 with an intimate, last-minute wedding ceremony in Los Angeles. This romantic commitment came just weeks after Ora herself broke with tradition by proposing to Waititi during a trip to Palm Springs. Their union not only joined them as partners but also integrated Ora into the lives of Waititi's two daughters from a previous relationship.
Embracing a Blended Family Dynamic
Upon marrying Waititi, Ora embraced her new role as stepmother to his two children: Te Hinekahu, aged 13, and Matewa Kiritapu, aged nine. Waititi co-parents the girls amicably with his ex-partner, film producer Chelsea Winstanley, with whom he collaborated on the acclaimed Oscar-winning film JoJo Rabbit. The couple began their relationship in 2021, following Waititi's separation from Winstanley in 2018.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Ora painted a picture of their harmonious daily routine. "It's really easy. We wake up, we work out together with the kids running on the treadmills; it's a family affair," she shared. Reflecting on the personal growth this new chapter has inspired, she added, "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. I've realised there's so much more, so [becoming a stepmother] did give me that."
The 'Fairy Godmother' Role and Life in New Zealand
This is not the first time Ora has spoken affectionately about her stepmother role. During an appearance on Jessie and Lennie Ware's Table Manners podcast, she gushed about the position, humorously describing herself as "the fairy godmother that doesn't actually really have any responsibility."
A significant part of their family life is centred in New Zealand, a country Ora now considers a second home. "Moving to New Zealand was a 'game changer'," she revealed, noting that much of her husband's family resides there and his children attend school in the country. "Auckland, we have a place literally on the water. It's really nice. I feel like New Zealand is obviously so far, if you make an effort together, it's a game changer."
Her connection to New Zealand was strengthened through her work as a coach on the local version of The Voice, a role she held for several years. "I've been there like a big, big chunk out of my year... it's like a home away from home for me," Ora explained. It was in the region, specifically in Sydney, Australia, where the couple first met and "clicked" while she was working on The Voice and he was filming Thor: Ragnarok.
Future Family Plans and Proactive Health Choices
Looking ahead, Rita Ora has previously expressed her desire for a large family. In a past interview on the Australian television programme Sunshine, she disclosed that, on the advice of her long-time family doctor, she chose to freeze her eggs in her early twenties. "I have always wanted a big family and my doctor asked me, 'I think you should freeze your eggs when I was in my early 20s'... He said you are healthy now and it would be great, why not put them away and then you never have to worry about it again?" she recounted.
At the time, aware that some might consider her young for such a decision, Ora defended her proactive approach. "I just wanted to really be safe. Maybe that is me being crazy," she mused, emphasising her belief in "using what we have in making the most of it." This forward-thinking measure ensures she has options should she decide to expand her family in the future, complementing the loving blended household she has already built with Taika Waititi and his daughters.
