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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literary award due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel award in October, but were ruled out the next month because of new rules concerning AI usage.

The publishing house of both titles, the publisher, stated that the awards organizers amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for every submitted book 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,” Wilson said.

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the award administrators, saying she shares serious worries about artificial intelligence in creative fields, but was let down by the ruling.

“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 added that writers typically have minimal involvement in book design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which features a cat with human-like teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author said, noting that unlike younger generations, she struggles to identify computer-created images.

The writer feared that the public might assume she used AI to write her work, which she categorically denied.

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

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers devoted hours creating her book's cover, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by painter the artist's figures.

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

Prize Trust's Position

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that oversees the prizes, said the trust takes a “firm stance 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 move to amend the artificial intelligence criteria was driven by a aim to support the creative and intellectual property rights of the nation's writers and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and writers often employ software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for well-defined policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that cover designs receive little consideration during judging.

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

The application of AI in artistic sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some groups creating ways to address its impact.