The Waikato Regional Council has agreed to establish a fund for emergency rescue services in the region.

A decision to apply a per property rate of $3.74 was made during deliberations on the proposal during the May full meeting of council and will require an amendment to the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan.

The Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter (pictured) and Phillips Search and Rescue trusts will each receive $50,000 a year under a new regional fund established by the Waikato Regional Council. Photo: File

Under the fund, surf lifesaving in the region will receive $354,600 per year, Coastguard will receive $175,400, while the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Philips Search and Rescue trusts will each receive $50,000.

The new rate will replace money previously collected by other councils for regional surf lifesaving, Coastguard and rescue helicopter services.

Chairperson Paula Southgate says the rate isn't the full amount surf lifesaving, in particular, asked for in its submission, but councillors felt the WRC should only be considered a contributor, not an underwriter of their sustainability.

'These services will be getting more funding than they've received in the past from a collective of councils and this will allow for a small increase in service delivery,” says Paula.

'There is no question surf lifesaving, Coastguard and rescue helicopter services provide value to the region – they do a splendid job and we recognise the importance of keeping people safe on land and water.”

'While our role isn't to fund charitable organisations we do need to play our part in contributing to regional economic wellbeing.”

Tairua Surf Life Saving Club. Photo: File

The proposal was released for public feedback in March this year, with the council receiving 549 submissions on it.

The Waikato Mayoral Forum – comprising all mayors and the regional council chair – had previously supported the intent of the fund, but it was not supported by the South Waikato and Matamata-Piako district councils.

The fund, including its criteria, will be reviewed in the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan in conjunction with the Waikato Mayoral Forum. But until then, there'll be no change in funding.

'We understand these services and others struggle for funding, but the regional council does not see itself as the primary funder and consider central government has a role to play,” adds Paula.

The regional council also agreed to push central government to consider nationally funding emergency rescue services to ensure equitable and sustainable funding across the regions.

Coastguard carrying out a rescue in the Firth of Thames in March of last year. Photo: File