In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rika wrote nine songs inspired by the nine stars of Matariki, which she learned about from Māori astronomer Rangi Mātāmua. Working with new producers for the first time, including Tiki Taane, the new songs intended to connect the stars and the gods to contemporary life in Aotearoa. The resulting album, Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea, was released on July 17, 2020.
