The 15-year-old Columba College pupil won the South Island Chinese bridge proficiency competition recently, and will represent the island in the national final in Auckland next month.
Although studying Mandarin was not her first career choice, she began learning the language six years ago because of her parents' belief it would be ''the language of the future''.
And she has grown to love it.
''It's unique. It makes me stand out.
''It's awesome to be able to talk to Chinese pupils here at school, in their own language.''
Holly was one of three secondary school pupils from the South Island, selected to represent the region at the national final.
She said her speech was not political or philosophical. Rather, it was about her plans for the future.
In fluent Mandarin, she spoke of her plan to study Chinese, computer science and maths at the University of Otago. She eventually hopes to become a teacher in China, or a translator.
Although the content and presentation of her speech were important, she said the judges were also looking for fluency, good grammar and pronunciation.
Holly said she was still nervous about representing the region at the national final in May, but said some of the secret to her success so far lay in some ancient Chinese philosophies.
''Loosely translated, they say there's no success without hard work. And you have to actively seek success rather than hope that it will turn up out of the blue.
''These philosophies are what inspire me to do well.''
