The family emigrated to New Zealand in 1863 when Henry Holland was four, and settled in West Melton on an undeveloped farm.

[1][2] Holland was made a justice of the peace in 1907, and in 1911 was elected to the Christchurch City Council for the Central Ward.

[1] The 1912 mayoral election was held on 24 April, and it was contested by the incumbent John Joseph Dougall, Holland, and Henry Thacker.

[8] In the 1918 New Year Honours, Holland and his wife, Jane (née Eastwood), were appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire for service in World War I.

[9] He was subsequently promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services in connection with patriotic undertakings, in the 1919 King's Birthday Honours.