He is a relentless worker and has an undying passion for what he does.
More than anything, he has a reluctance to take too much individual praise.
Heller was named Otago rugby’s volunteer of the year earlier this month, and he is up for the same award at tonight’s New Zealand Rugby Awards.
It would seem a more than deserved accolade for the Otago secondary schools rugby council chairman.
His involvement with the council stretches back to 1998, when he was a teacher at South Otago High School.
He has stayed on since leaving the school to take up a job at the University of Otago.
That is a long time to serve one organisation but he is quick to spread the recognition beyond himself.
"It’s awesome," he said.
"But I see it more as a team award, rather than an individual award. I’m really lucky to have a good group of volunteers in the schools space around me, including the ones involved in the secondary school council.
"And pretty much every volunteer that’s out in that school space: your coaches, your managers, your players, your supporters.
"So I very much view it as a recognition of everyone’s efforts rather than just the efforts of a small group, or one person."
Heller played rugby as a tight forward in his younger days but his attention turned to coaching and administration when he moved to South Otago High School.
"[I’ve got a] huge passion for schools rugby," he said.
"I think it’s an amazing space with so many talented young athletes and coaches. It’s really a critical time for player development, through that 14-to-18-year-old phase in someone’s rugby life.
"You’ve got your entry level to schools rugby with your under-14 competitions, and then your shop window is your First XV competition.
"We’ve seen the way that’s grown, with its exposure over the 20-odd years I’ve been involved. It’s just an awesome space to work in."
While there were different challenges every year, he said it was something he continued to enjoy.
"I can honestly say, hand on heart, I’ve enjoyed every minute of every year of it.
"A lot of it could be perceived as a grind, because there is a lot of admin involved in setting up new competitions and making sure everyone’s following regulations, getting draws in place, making sure we’ve got funding.
"Just keeping on top of all the various requirements from the ORFU and NZRU around changes in laws... there’s plenty of admin to keep you on your toes, but it’s always been enjoyable."
