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

Disqualification Particulars

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days because of recently introduced rules regarding AI use.

The publishing house of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards organizers updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for all submitted title would have previously 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 expressed understanding for the prize administrators, saying she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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 authors typically have little input in book artwork and was unaware AI had been employed for her book 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,” the author said, noting that unlike younger generations, she struggles to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson worried that the public might think she used AI to compose her work, 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, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the designers spent hours creating her publication's cover, 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,” Smither remarked.

Prize Trust's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, said the organization maintains a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence in books.”

“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.

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

The move to amend the artificial intelligence criteria was motivated by a aim to protect the artistic and copyright interests of the nation'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 pointed out that publishing houses and writers often use tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this situation highlighted 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 Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both stressed that covers get little attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has faced growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some groups creating methods to counter its influence.