Rita Ora reflects on life as stepmother

Rita Ora has shared rare insights into her family life, describing her experience as a stepmother as a meaningful and perspective-changing journey.

The 35-year-old star, who married New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi in 2022, became a stepmother to his two daughters, Te Kāinga o te Hinekāhu, 13, and Matewa Kiritapu, nine, from his previous marriage.

In a recent interview, Rita spoke candidly about how the role has reshaped the way she views life and priorities.

Speaking to The Sun, Rita said she found stepping into the role surprisingly natural, adding that family routines have helped strengthen their bond.

She shared that mornings often begin with simple activities, such as exercising together, which she described as a “family affair.”

Rita explained that the experience has helped her understand that life extends far beyond individual ambitions.

“It’s been a real eye-opener to realise that sometimes there’s more to life than what you’re focused on in that moment,” she said, adding that the role has given her a deeper sense of purpose.

Taika Waititi, 50, shares his daughters with his former wife, producer Chelsea Winstanley. The former couple separated in 2018 after seven years of marriage and have continued to co-parent their children.

Rita has previously spoken about the strength of her relationship with Taika, crediting their long-standing friendship as the foundation of their marriage.

In an earlier interview, she said the two were best friends before becoming romantically involved, which helped their relationship feel stable and secure.

The couple began dating in early 2021 after knowing each other for several years and later tied the knot in a private ceremony in Los Angeles.

Rita later revealed that the wedding was intentionally low-key, with minimal planning, reflecting their desire for intimacy rather than spectacle.

Looking back on her earlier years, Rita has acknowledged that it took time to find the right partner.

She has said that her relationship with Taika felt different, describing it as a safe and natural progression after years of personal growth.