Wood’s been working for tourism giant RealNZ for the past four months in a hospitality team at Walter Peak High Country Farm and on TSS Earnslaw.
She tells Mountain Scene all staff were sent an email by management last week asking for feedback on the issue.
"Reading between the lines, it’ll be mandatory.
"Everyone’s in limbo at the moment."
She describes her stance as "pro-choice".
"I’m not anti-vax or into conspiracy theories."
However, although scientists and experts have verified and backed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine, she has misgivings because she thinks its trial period has been too short.
She also hates what she calls the government’s "fear-driven" approach to Covid.
"It’s dividing communities, it’s dividing families."
She knows of "a few" workmates with similar views.
Wood says RealNZ has been a good employer, and she wouldn’t blame the company if she lost her job.
If it wants to operate fully, it’s got to go along with government policy, she adds.
"There’s no blame here, they are fantastic, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about them."
If she’s fired, she expects to return to the Motueka area, from where she came to the resort.
No jab deadline yet
RealNZ is still working through the process of deciding its vaccination policy, boss Stephen England-Hall says.
He tells Scene the company has carried out a risk assessment for all roles, as well as for its guests, contractors and suppliers.
It’s now in the final stages of consulting staff, with feedback due by today, England-Hall says.
He acknowledges getting jabbed is a "difficult decision" for some staff members.
"Ultimately though, in my view, this is about public good and community, rather than individual choice."
If the company make it mandatory, and some staff members refuse, "we will explore all options with them individually", he says.
The company arranged a live online Q&A session for staff with University of Auckland epidemiologist Rod Jackson on Tuesday night.
