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Two award-winning Kiwi writers have had their works disqualified from consideration for the country's prestigious literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Details

The author's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days because of new rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of the two books, the publisher, explained that the awards organizers amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the covers for every submitted book would have already been finalized.

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

Writers' Responses

The author voiced understanding for the prize organizers, stating she shares deep concerns about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was let down by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she remarked. “It’s my 22nd book, and it is my fourth collection of short stories. These stories … were written over a sort of 20 year period, so for me, it’s quite an important book.”

She further stated that authors typically have little involvement in cover artwork and was unaware artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which displays a feline with human 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 younger age groups, she struggles to identify computer-created graphics.

Johnson worried that readers might think she used artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she emphatically did not do.

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

In a comment, Smither expressed that the artists devoted hours crafting her publication's cover, which features a locomotive and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Stance

The trust chair, head of the book awards trust that oversees the Ockham awards, said the trust takes a strong position on the application 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,” Legat said.

“Nevertheless, the rules apply equally to every participant, no matter their standing, and must be enforced uniformly.”

The move to amend the AI guidelines was motivated by a desire to support the creative and copyright interests of the nation's writers and illustrators, she explained.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Industry Reflections

Wilson noted that publishers and writers regularly employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the pressing need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers receive minimal attention during evaluation.

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” the author concluded.

The use of artificial intelligence in creative fields has faced growing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations developing methods to counter its influence.