Helping disabled people like Trent
Lizards are Trent’s passion. Being profoundly deaf hasn’t stopped Trent from building a successful career in this specialist field with Landcare Research.
Landcare is the Crown Research Institute that undertakes scientific and ecological research on New Zealand's natural assets. With the help of supported employment programme Mainstream, the organisation employed Trent as a research technician from September 2004 until June 2009.
Senior wildlife ecologist Grant Norbury says Trent’s work has considerably raised the profile of research on lizards, and that he’s also making his mark in other areas of research. “He's got huge initiative and he doesn't let his disability get in the road one iota.” Grant adds the benefits have been two-way. “Trent’s been able to put his expertise to a good cause and his work has consolidated his reputation and credibility in the field.”
Trent says although his job at Landcare has now come to an end, the organisation has been highly supportive and responsive with transition planning. He is thankful for the opportunity to create a career at a time where it was looking difficult to get started anywhere. Now running his own ecological consultancy business, EcoGecko Consultants, Trent works around New Zealand on lizards, frogs and tuatara, continuing in his preferred career choice.
