Although Motuora now has no permanent residents, it has a history of human occupation and was used for farming during much of the 20th century, when the native coastal forest was cleared apart from remnant patches along the cliffs.

The MRS now manages the island jointly with the Department of Conservation (DOC).

[2] Extensive planting of native vegetation has taken place on the island in order to restore the original forest cover.

Native animals that have been introduced (or reintroduced) as part of the ecosystem restoration program include wetapunga, shore skinks, and common, Pacific and Duvaucel's geckos.

The island supports a small breeding colony of Australasian gannets.