Hairy Maclary becoming a reality on The Strand

The Hairy Maclary sculptural installation has started at the waterfront. Photo/John Borren

The first sod at the site for Tauranga's Hairy Maclary attraction has been turned, as works make way for sculptures of the mischievous dog and friends.

A digger was at the waterfront site at 8am, flattening the area where the bronze sculptures will eventually stand.

Last month Creative Tauranga announced it had reached the $660,000 fundraising target needed to complete the installation of the nine sculptures.

Hairy Maclary and his friends will stand in a cobbled garden next to the children's playground on The Strand.

Three of the sculptures - Bottomley Potts, daschund Schnitzel von Krumm and cat Slinky Malinki - are currently on display in Creative Tauranga's Willow St gallery.

The project is led by Creative Tauranga and funding has come from TECT, City Care, Tauranga City Council, the Government's Tourism Facilities Grant, local rotary clubs and businesses, as well as individuals in New Zealand and overseas.

Kindergartens and cruise ship passengers are among those who have donated money.