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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their works excluded from consideration for the nation's prestigious literature prize because of the use of AI in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Particulars

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following thirty days due to new rules regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize committee amended the guidelines in August, by which time the covers for every entered title would have previously been finalized.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” Wilson noted.

Authors' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the award organizers, stating she has deep concerns about AI in creative industries, but was let down by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she remarked. “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 further stated that writers typically have little input in cover artwork and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which displays a cat with human-like dentition.

“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 recognize AI-generated images.

The writer feared that the public might think she employed artificial intelligence to compose 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 expressed that the artists devoted considerable time creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by painter Marc Chagall's figures.

“It is them I am most concerned about: that their meticulous work … is being disrespected,” she stated.

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that oversees the Ockham awards, said the organization takes a “firm stance on the application of artificial intelligence in publications.”

“The trust does not take lightly a decision that prevents the latest works of two of New Zealand’s most esteemed writers from being considered for the 2026 award,” she said.

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

The decision to amend the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the artistic and intellectual property rights of the nation's authors and artists, she added.

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

Industry Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and writers often employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs receive minimal consideration during judging.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative fields has encountered increasing examination as the technology advances, with some organizations creating ways to counter its impact.