The Newsroom Blog

Latter-day Saint Receives 'Local Hero' Award

Mrs Eileen Mueller, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was honoured recently for her contributions over many years to Wellington and Wairarapa communities.

The ‘Local Hero Medal’ recipient joined 14 other Wellingtonians who were also recognized for their service.  The awards are part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. 130 Local Heroes were recognised nationally.

Mrs Mueller has organized many community projects including the Books for Fiji initiative, foodbank collections, baking and toiletries for homeless men, clean-up and tree-planting efforts, marae and school painting projects, among others.  

Eileen Muellere

Caption: Eileen Mueller receiving her Local Hero medal with Mayor Celia Wade-Brown (left) and Kiwibank Chief Executive Kevin Brock. Image courtesy of Neil Mackenzie.

"Every individual can have an impact, “ says Eileen. “We’re all pieces in a giant jigsaw that makes up our community, each with different talents. I encourage everyone who sees a local need to contact a volunteer organisation and offer to help. Make a difference in your own small way. Help others to live better lives. It’s the most rewarding work you can do.”

Eileen is married to Kurt and is a busy mother of four children.  She sings in the Faultline Barbershop Chorus and is a writer of young adult fantasy novels, children’s books and short stories.

Eileen Fiji Books 2

Caption: Mrs Eileen Mueller visits with students who were some of the recipients of a donation of over 43,000 books to rural schools in Fiji. Mrs Mueller coordinated the 'Mormon Helping Hands' initiative bringing together churches, governments and others in New Zealand and Fiji. Image courtesy of Karen Larsen.

Browse the Blog

About The Blog: This blog is managed and written by staff of the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The information here is reliable and accurate but should not necessarily be viewed as official statements from the Church. The purpose of this blog is to provide journalists, bloggers, and the public with additional context and information regarding public issues involving the Church. For official news releases and statements from the Church, visit MormonNewsroom.org.

Style Guide Note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.