🔗 Share this article

A pair of award-winning Kiwi writers have had their books disqualified from consideration for the country's esteemed literary prize due to the use of AI in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Details

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month due to recently introduced guidelines regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of both titles, the publisher, stated that the prize organizers updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for every entered 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,” Wilson noted.

Authors' Reactions

The author expressed sympathy for the prize administrators, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence 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.”

She added that authors typically have little input in cover artwork and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which features a feline with human-like teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to recognize computer-created graphics.

The writer feared that the public might think she employed artificial intelligence to compose 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, Smither said that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her book's art, which includes a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by artist the artist's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, said the trust takes a “firm stance on the application 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.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The move to revise the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to support the artistic and copyright interests of the country's authors and illustrators, she explained.

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

Industry Reflections

Wilson noted that publishing houses and writers often use tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

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

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

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has faced growing examination as the tech progresses, with some organizations creating methods to counter its influence.