Queen Charlotte Sound was officially changed to Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui in 2014. Motuara Island was largely cleared and farmed by its Maori owners until the NZ government took it over in the early 1900s. It was then used for grazing goats and later sheep, with further clearances, until in 1925 stock were finally removed. Scenic and Historic Reserve status followed in 1976, but it was not until 1991 when Pacific Rats were eradicated, that native vegetation, birds and insects were able to thrive once more. Motuara has since been used successfully as a refuge and nursery for threatened endemic species, such as the Okarito Kiwi (Apteryx rowi).