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Two award-winning New Zealand authors have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literary prize because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Details

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the following month because of recently introduced guidelines regarding AI use.

The publishing house of the two books, Quentin Wilson, stated that the awards organizers amended the criteria in August, by which time the covers for every submitted title would have already been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

Johnson expressed understanding for the prize organizers, stating she has deep concerns about AI in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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 further stated that authors typically have minimal input in cover artwork and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which displays a cat with human 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, noting that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize computer-created images.

The writer worried that the public might think she used artificial intelligence to write her book, which she emphatically denied.

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

In a comment, Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours creating her book's cover, which includes a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by painter the artist's figures.

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

Award Committee's Stance

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the organization maintains 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,” Legat said.

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

The decision to amend the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the creative and intellectual property interests of the nation's authors and artists, 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 authors often use software like Grammarly and image editors, which utilize AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have previously served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both stressed that cover designs get little consideration during evaluation.

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

The application of AI in artistic sectors has encountered increasing examination as the technology progresses, with some groups creating methods to address its influence.