A mystery knitter has adorned the statue of the "father of Wellington" in woollen wares.

A jaunty red and white scarf has been draped around the statue of John Plimmer and his dog Fritz is sporting a matching body warmer.

A note attached to Fritz reads "Every dog needs a woollen coat on cold winter nights - with love from a quiet mouse".

Installed in 1996 at the base of the Plimmer Steps off Lambton Quay, the bronze statue has been targeted by vandals in the past.

Wellington City Council will not take action on this occasion.

"We would have preferred yellow and black - that being the city's colours - but if it's cute I think we'll turn a blind eye," a spokesman said.

The accessories appeared overnight and are well-timed for another chilly start to the week.

It has finally crept up to 13 degrees Celsius in the capital, slightly short of the expected high of 14 degrees.

A southerly change this afternoon will bring scattered showers tomorrow in Wellington and Wairarapa and snow down to 400 metres, Metservice forecasted.

Showers are expected to linger for the rest of the week.

The bronze sculpture is based on a photograph of John Plimmer taken around 1900.

He arrived in Wellington from Shropshire, England on the ship Gertrude in 1841 and was a builder, businessman and civic leader.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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