The artist who painted the late Murray Ball's character, Dog, has come forward after initially asking to remain anonymous.
Artist Paul Walsh put the artwork on the side of a water reservoir in Auckland's Three Kings dog-friendly park, but did it without the permission of Watercare which owns the reservoir.
He wanted to avoid repercussions for his work, but came forward to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.
"At one point, there was a queue of people lining up to get a photo with it, which was really touching," he told NZME.
"Obviously it's not because it's a particularly brilliant artwork, but it's about everyone paying respects to Murray Ball, someone we grew up with."
The art was spotted on Wednesday, only days after Mr Ball died after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Creating it evoked emotions, Mr Walsh says, as Murray Ball was one of his biggest inspirations to start drawing.
"I did have a little tear in my eye as I finished it off, gave it a little pat as I finished."
Watercare says it isn't planning to remove it yet but says it's a decision that faces a monthly review.
Walsh is also responsible for the internet meme "Grumpy Cat" which made a brief appearance in the same spot in 2012, before it was painted over.
Newshub.