Quirky until the end.

Former Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown's request of a tattoo as a leaving gift has shocked the Taxpayers Union and council bosses wouldn't allow it.

LISTEN ABOVE: Former Mayor Celia Wade-Brown talks to Chris Lynch about her new tattoo.

She said her son designed the gecko and she'd already been contemplating whether to get it inked on her ankle when she was asked what she might like as a leaving gift.

She said the CEO's office didn't think it was quite appropriate so they went for a more conventional park bench.

Council staff had an informal whip around and bought her a voucher so she could still get the tattoo.