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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the country's esteemed literary award because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Details

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in October, but were disqualified the following thirty days because of new rules concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards organizers updated the guidelines in August, by which point the covers for every submitted title would have previously been completed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” the publisher said.

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the prize administrators, saying she has deep concerns about AI in artistic fields, but was let down 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 further stated that writers usually have little involvement in cover design and was did not know AI had been employed for her book cover, which features a cat with human teeth.

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

The writer feared that readers might assume she used AI to write her work, which she emphatically did not do.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a statement, Smither expressed that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her publication's cover, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that oversees the Ockham awards, said the organization takes a “firm stance on the application of AI 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,” she said.

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

The decision to amend the AI guidelines was driven by a aim to protect the creative and intellectual property interests of the country's writers and illustrators, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors often employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the urgent requirement for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has encountered growing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations creating ways to address its influence.