The Kawerau-born, fulltime artist said New Zealand's street art scene was already recognised across the globe.
"For such a small country, we've got the greatest street-art scene in the world. It's such a shame how it's frowned upon here, because when you go to places like New York, they know all about it."
Mr Dippie, who has had a passion for painting since school, began working with spray cans in the early 2000s before growing his international status.
Among his proudest works have been giant murals of his heroes Billy T James and Michael Jackson, and an eye-catching memorial to Sir Edmund Hillary he painted on the back wall of a Tauranga fishing shop in 2008.
In an alley in industrial Mount Maunganui, Mr Dippie spent days painting a large mural of another of his idols, murdered rap artist The Notorious BIG, and the block will soon feature Che Guevara, Bob Marley and Bruce Lee.
"I always tend to do art with people who have passed on. It's about representing those who can't represent themselves any more. One guy was calling it the art of respect, which I thought was pretty cool."
He hopes to finish Princess Diana before the anniversary of her death on August 31.
"The reaction to it so far has been nothing but positive.
"I'd never painted her or drawn her before but I've always admired her, she kind of reminded me of my mum," he said.
Once the portrait is complete, he plans to use the same wall for a "24-hour exhibition" that could be shared with budding street artists.
