This prize arises from a donation in 1886 by the late John Tinline Esq. of Amuri (North Canterbury). Until 1964 the fund provided a scholarship administered by the University of New Zealand and the University Grants Committee. In 1965 the fund was divided to provide a prize for universities across New Zealand.

The prize is awarded on the recommendation of the Head of the School of English, Film, Theatre, Media Studies, and Art History to a student who has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with English (or English Language) as his/her major subject, who is proceeding to a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree in English in the following year, and is deemed worthy of the prize.

The value of the prize is determined after consideration of the income from the fund. If in any year the whole of the income from the fund is not expended, the balance may be used in a subsequent year, or may be added to the capital fund.

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

$500 (subject to available funds)

No application required

The prize is awarded to a student completed a BA degree, majoring in English (or English Language) and who is proceeding to BA (Hons) in English in the following year.