He established a building and contracting business, and was prominent in many civic and charitable bodies in Auckland.
[citation needed] In 1900, Holland was president of the Auckland Builders and Contractors Union of Employers.
[5] He was also defeated in a 1900 by-election after the death of the sitting member William Crowther by Joseph Witheford, despite being endorsed by Seddon.
[6] Upon defeat, Holland was subsequently appointed as a Government trustee to the Auckland Savings Bank.
Some notable buildings he built are the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, St Benedict's Church, Newton, and the Shakespeare Hotel.