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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from consideration for the country's prestigious literature prize because of the use of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Details

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were ruled out the next thirty days due to new rules concerning AI use.

The publishing house of both books, the publisher, explained that the awards committee updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs 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,” Wilson noted.

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the prize organizers, stating she shares serious worries about AI in creative fields, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“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.”

Johnson further stated that authors typically have minimal input in book artwork and was did not know AI had been used for her cover, which features a feline with human teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” Johnson explained, adding that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she struggles to identify computer-created graphics.

Johnson worried that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to compose her work, 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 said that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her publication's cover, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the application of AI 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 stated.

“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 driven by a aim to support the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's authors and illustrators, 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 authors often use software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident underscored the urgent requirement for well-defined policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have in the past been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that cover designs receive little attention during evaluation.

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

The application of AI in creative fields has faced growing examination as the technology advances, with some groups developing methods to counter its influence.