Taika Waititi, the acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian, has captivated audiences with his unique storytelling and vibrant personality. Beyond his professional achievements, his romantic life has also drawn considerable public interest, marked by significant relationships that have evolved alongside his burgeoning career. Waititi has maintained a relatively private stance on his personal affairs, yet details of his long-term marriage and subsequent high-profile romance have become part of his public narrative.
Waititi's most significant long-term relationship was with Chelsea Winstanley, a fellow New Zealand film producer. Their connection began years before his international breakthrough, rooted in their shared passion for filmmaking and indigenous storytelling. They reportedly knew each other for a long time before their romantic relationship blossomed.
Taika Waititi and Chelsea Winstanley tied the knot in 2011. Their marriage was a private affair, and they largely kept their family life out of the public eye, even as Waititi's career soared with films like Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit. Winstanley herself is an accomplished producer, known for her work on films like Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen and Cousins.
During their marriage, Waititi and Winstanley welcomed two daughters: Matewa Kiritapu and Te Hinekāhu. The couple often spoke fondly of their children, emphasizing their commitment to raising them with a strong connection to their Māori heritage. Their family life was a private sanctuary amidst the growing public scrutiny of Waititi's career.
Reports of their separation began to surface around 2018, though neither Waititi nor Winstanley publicly confirmed their divorce until later. It was widely understood that they had quietly parted ways, maintaining an amicable co-parenting relationship for their daughters. The exact date of their divorce has not been widely publicized, but it was confirmed to have occurred before his next major public relationship.
Following his separation from Winstanley, Taika Waititi's romantic life once again became a subject of public attention when he was linked to British singer Rita Ora. Rumors of their relationship first emerged in April 2021, when Ora posted a photo of them together on her Instagram, sparking widespread speculation. Their romance quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about pairings.
The couple made their public debut at the premiere of The Suicide Squad in August 2021, where they walked the red carpet together, solidifying their status as an item. Their relationship was characterized by frequent public displays of affection, social media posts, and appearances at high-profile events, including the Met Gala. They often shared glimpses into their life together, from vacations to casual outings.
"I'm in a great place in my life," Ora stated in an interview, often hinting at the happiness she found with Waititi without explicitly detailing their relationship. Their playful and affectionate public persona quickly endeared them to fans.
In August 2022, it was widely reported that Taika Waititi and Rita Ora had quietly married in a private ceremony. Ora later confirmed their marriage in January 2023, revealing that they had exchanged vows in a very intimate and spontaneous celebration. The wedding was described as a small, personal affair, with only a few close friends and family present.
"It was exactly what I wanted," Ora shared about their wedding, emphasizing the private and heartfelt nature of their commitment. She also revealed that she took Waititi's surname, becoming Rita Ora-Waititi, though she continues to use Rita Ora professionally.
Since their marriage, Taika Waititi and Rita Ora have continued to be a prominent couple in the entertainment industry. They frequently support each other's professional endeavors and share their life together on social media. Their relationship reflects a blend of shared creative interests and a vibrant, public romance, marking a new chapter in Waititi's romantic history.