They occurred once or twice a month during his high school years and became more frequent as a young adult, happening once or twice a week.
At the start of this month, he underwent neurosurgery in Auckland to help prevent future seizures, which has proven successful to date, with no seizures since the surgery.
Quate has been determined over the years not to let the condition hold him back.
The Rose Irish Pub even held a Purple Day quiz and fundraiser this week, donating 10% of all food and drink sales to Epilepsy NZ.
Staff also donated an hour of their wages to Epilepsy NZ.
Quate said having employment had given him a lot of confidence.
“I’ve really enjoyed working here, meeting a lot of people, working with new people, and the experience and things I have learned,” he said, of working at the pub.
“I have built up a lot of confidence socialising with other people.”
He wants to continue progressing in hospitality, perhaps becoming a bar manager in future.
He would also like to do some sports coaching, to utilise his sports qualification from EIT.
There have been times he has suffered seizures at work, but other staff are aware of his condition and help him, such as getting him to sit down.
He encouraged others living with epilepsy to “not get too anxious or too worried about the seizures, or your struggles, just focus on your goals and what you really want to achieve”.
“That is what I chose to do, and it really helped.”
Quate has worked for The Masonic Hotel group, owner of The Rose Irish Pub, for five years.
Jessica Scott, administrative manager at The Masonic, said it was important to have staff aware of the condition, so they can support Hunter.
“He is a hard worker, and has come out of his shell a lot in the time he has been with us.”
She said they now have two staff members with epilepsy, and she encouraged other employers to consider employing people with the condition.
“Just give everyone a go. Don’t jeopardise other people’s future.”
