The C0-chair of Christchurch attraction Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has described the COVID-19 vaccine mandates as emotionally confronting and deeply divisive for staff and customers during the pandemic.

In October 2021, when discussing mandates and vaccine certificates, Jacinda Ardern stated bluntly: “That is what it is” regarding a vaccinated vs. unvaccinated divide, admitting the policy created clear societal separation.

On Monday, Mark Willis told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Government’s COVID-19 response that the mandates created significant tension and division within his organisation.

“We had customers that were angry with us for enforcing vaccine mandates, and that frustration was often vented at our staff. They found it quite emotionally confronting,” he said.

Willis said the mandates also caused rifts among staff, with some strongly supporting compulsory vaccination and others holding opposing views.

“It created a division within the staff. Some felt alienated because we couldn’t offer them the same employment opportunities as before.”

He described the situation as “emotionally confronting” and said it was compounded by unclear legal advice.

“Lawyers were sitting on both sides of the fence. It elevated employment dispute situations, and we didn’t always feel equipped to handle them.”

Willis said that unlike the financial toll of lockdowns or the closure of international borders, the impact of vaccine mandates was harder to quantify.

“I couldn’t put dollars and cents on the vaccine mandate issue, but we did find it difficult.”

The Royal Commission of Inquiry continues on Tuesday.