A permanent bronze sculpture trail of Hairy Maclary and his gang through central Tauranga is approved by the Tauranga City Council.

The approval for the trail was given during the council's annual plan workshop on Thursday, much to the satisfaction of Creative Tauranga chief executive Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell.

Dame Lynley Dodd's literary creation is to turn to bronze in Tauranga.

'Public art has long been proven to contribute to identity and to generate extensive economic benefits to communities,” says Tracey.

'What better way to raise the profile of Tauranga within New Zealand and around the world than through the arts.

'The Hairy Maclary sculpture trail will attract national and international visitors to our city as a must-see attraction.

'Most importantly, it will honour the work of Dame Lynley Dodd now, and well into the future.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Tim Burgess agrees the project has the potential to become a huge drawcard for the city.

'Hairy Maclary and his buddies are instantly recognisable to children and parents around the world and the sculpture trail would be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike,” says Tim.

'We're working closely with Creative Tauranga to help make this happen.”

Dame Lynley Dodd, a Tauranga resident for over 20 years, is one of New Zealand's best selling international authors and she too is excited by this project.

'I am astonished that my characters will be immortalised in bronze and I am thrilled at how well the concept is being received out in the community,” says Dame Lynley.

The next step in the project is a release for tenders. This is due to happen early next year.