This prize began in 2013 to celebrate academic excellence in Cultural Anthropology at Victoria University of Wellington. It is named after a founding professor in anthropology, Joan Metge, who helped to establish a vibrant anthropology department and who is recognised for her important role in the development of the discipline nationally. The prize was established by the Programme of Cultural Anthropology, and is judged by a panel of Cultural Anthropology lecturers.

Course lecturers nominate essay entries to be judged by the panel. The prize may be awarded jointly if there are two equally deserving winners. The prize will not be awarded if there are no suitable recipients.

The value of the prize is determined after consideration of the income from the fund. The balance of income not expended will be added to the fund.

Recipients will be asked to write a letter of thanks, which will be forwarded appropriately.

The prize is awarded to a student majoring in Cultural Anthropology for the most outstanding essay submitted as part of the course work of a 200- or 300-level Cultural Anthropology course.

Students are not eligible for this prize if they are a previous recipient.