The Mosgiel woman was among 31 others, from as far afield as France, who entered their work. She won the published poet category and Sandra Jones, of Wellington, won the unpublished category.
Mrs Hill said she enjoyed the challenge of writing her poem, and while "shocked" by the win, she was used to the experience, after receiving the same honour last year.
The poem was a "21st-century take on Robert Burns' poem that begins 'My love is like a red, red rose'," she said.
"This one is so different. Last year's was nostalgic and this one is very much more up-to-the-minute and inspired by the work, but certainly not using the same vocabulary. I'm not quite sure how people will feel about it."
Her anxiety about how people would respond was not helped by the fact she was not happy with it.
"I don't think I'm ever totally satisfied with something, but a deadline date is apt to get you moving."
Both the winning poems will be read on January 25 during an event at the Dunedin City Library, starting at 12.30pm.
Run in collaboration with the Dunedin Burns Club, the University of Otago Scottish studies programme, and the Otago Daily Times, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" will also include a talk from 2011 Burns Fellow Fiona Farrell.
Both the winning entries in the 2012 Robert Burns Poetry Competition will be published in the Otago Daily Times on January 26.
