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People and their pooches took a leisurely stroll through the city this morning in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Hairy Maclary Tauranga Waterfront Sculpture.

Sonje Steer with dog Suzi. Photos: Cameron Avery.

The fundraiser walk from Memorial Park to the sculpture site at Tauranga Waterfront raised about $1000, according to Western Bay of Plenty District councillor Margaret Murray-Benge.

Organised by Margaret and the Bethlehem and Te Puna Lions Club, the event's purpose was to bring awareness to the project and encourage others to help with funding, says Margaret, who is happy with this morning's turnout.

'It was an absolute winner. People were happy and the dogs were happy. The walk was just such a lovely grand idea and to have a project like Hairy Maclary at the end of it was really special.

'It was just fabulous.”

Participants were invited to bring their dog, dress up as their favourite Hairy Maclary character, or just enjoy a casual stroll through the city.

The walk was completed with a barbecue and sausage sizzle at the sculpture site.

Creative Tauranga's chief executive Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell says they are $140,000 off completing the $800,000 target.

The bronzed Bottomley Potts sculpture.