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Two acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their books disqualified from contention for the country's esteemed literature prize because of the use of AI in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Details

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 fiction award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following thirty days due to new rules regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of both titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards committee amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for all submitted title would have previously been completed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” Wilson noted.

Authors' Responses

Johnson expressed understanding for the prize administrators, stating she shares serious worries about AI in creative industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she commented. “This marks my 22nd publication and my fourth short story anthology. These tales … were composed over roughly two decades, making this a particularly significant work for me.”

Johnson added that authors usually have minimal involvement in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which displays a feline with human-like teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author explained, adding that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she finds it difficult to recognize AI-generated images.

The writer feared that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she categorically denied.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the artists devoted hours crafting her book's cover, which includes a locomotive and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by artist the artist's figures.

“My primary concern is for the designers: their careful, detailed work … is not being respected,” she stated.

Award Committee's Stance

The trust chair, head of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a “firm stance on the use of AI in books.”

“We do not make such a decision lightly, one that bars the newest works by two of New Zealand's most respected authors from the 2026 prize,” she said.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The move to revise the AI guidelines was driven by a aim to protect the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's authors and illustrators, she added.

“With artificial intelligence advancing, the trust may need to review and refine these criteria in the future.”

Industry Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishers and writers often use software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted guidelines.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Smither and Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that covers receive little consideration during judging.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” Smither concluded.

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has encountered growing examination as the tech progresses, with some organizations developing methods to counter its influence.