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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their works disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature prize because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were disqualified the next month because of new rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of the two titles, the publisher, stated that the prize committee updated the criteria in August, by which time the cover designs for every submitted book would have already been completed.

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

Authors' Reactions

The author expressed sympathy for the award organizers, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“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.”

Johnson added that writers typically have little input in cover artwork and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which features 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, noting that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created images.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she used AI to compose her book, which she emphatically 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 designers devoted considerable time crafting her book's art, which includes a locomotive and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that oversees the prizes, said the trust maintains 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,” 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 criteria was driven by a aim to protect the creative and copyright rights 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.”

Publishing Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and writers regularly employ software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get little consideration during judging.

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

The use of AI in creative sectors has encountered increasing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations developing methods to counter its influence.