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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from contention for the country's prestigious literary award due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Particulars

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the next month due to recently introduced rules concerning AI usage.

The publisher of the two books, the publisher, explained that the awards organizers amended the criteria in August, by which point the cover designs for all entered title would have already 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 sympathy for the award organizers, saying she shares serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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.”

She added that authors typically have little input in cover artwork and was unaware AI had been employed for her cover, which features a feline with human-like dentition.

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

The writer worried that the public might assume she used AI to compose her work, which she emphatically did not do.

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

In a comment, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists spent hours creating her book's cover, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that oversees the prizes, affirmed the trust takes 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,” Legat said.

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

The decision to revise the AI guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the creative and intellectual property rights of the country's writers and illustrators, she added.

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

Publishing Considerations

Wilson noted that publishing houses and authors often use tools like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the pressing requirement for well-defined policies.

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

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

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” Smither concluded.

The use of AI in creative fields has encountered increasing examination as the tech progresses, with some groups creating ways to counter its influence.