Growing demands on the services of the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter have led the Otago Regional Council to increase its sponsorship by $100,000 to $350,000.
Since 2008, when the Lion Foundation ended its support, the regional council has been the major sponsor, giving $250,000 annually.
The decision to increase the sponsorship was made by regional councillors in a long-term plan workshop not open to the public.
While the funding of the trust was included in the long-term plan under governance and community - described as funding or support for projects that promote sustainable resources of Otago - the amount was not detailed.
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said the council was "happy to fulfil that role".
The council felt, as primary sponsor, it was important to ensure the service had adequate funding to meet its needs. Funded by general rates, it broke down to $1.60 for each man, woman and child in Otago, he said.
"You've seen from the annual reports the growing demand and importance of the service. It's there for the whole region."
The council's funding meant the service could be on 24-hour standby for calls, as only flying time was covered by government funding, he said.
In 2008, the service flew 575 hours, while in the year to March 2012, it flew 758 hours.
Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust chairman Ross Black said at the release of its annual report earlier this month it was a very significant contribution from a local body to a community trust.
