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A pair of award-winning New Zealand writers have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literary award due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 fiction prize in October, but were ruled out the next month because of new guidelines concerning artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the covers for every submitted 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,” Wilson noted.

Authors' Reactions

The author expressed understanding for the prize organizers, saying she has serious worries about AI in artistic industries, but was let down by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she commented. “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.”

She added that authors usually have minimal input in book design and was unaware AI had been employed for her cover, which displays a cat with human-like dentition.

“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, adding that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

Johnson feared that readers might think she used artificial intelligence to write her work, which she emphatically 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 hours crafting her book's cover, which features a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by 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.

Award Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization takes a “firm stance on the use 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 stated.

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

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence criteria was motivated by a desire to protect the creative and copyright interests of the country's writers and artists, she added.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Publishing Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors regularly use software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have previously been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers receive little consideration during judging.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” Smither said.

The application of AI in artistic fields has faced increasing examination as the tech advances, with some groups creating ways to counter its influence.