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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days due to recently introduced guidelines concerning AI use.

The publisher of both titles, the publisher, stated that the awards organizers updated the criteria in August, by which time the covers for every submitted book would have already been finalized.

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

Authors' Responses

The author voiced sympathy for the award administrators, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“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 involvement in cover design and was did not know AI had been used for her cover, which features a feline with human dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson said, adding that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to identify AI-generated images.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she used AI to compose her book, which she categorically denied.

“Instead of talking about my book … and what the inspiration was, we are talking about bloody AI, which I hate.”

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers devoted hours creating her book's cover, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that oversees the Ockham awards, said the organization takes a “firm stance on the use 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 creative and copyright interests of the country's authors and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Reflections

The publisher noted that publishing houses and authors regularly employ tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this incident underscored the pressing need for carefully crafted guidelines.

“As an industry, we must work together to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

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

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative fields has faced increasing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations developing ways to address its impact.