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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from contention for the nation's prestigious literature prize due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Disqualification Details

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the next month due to new guidelines concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers updated the criteria in August, by which time the covers for all submitted book would have previously been completed.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” Wilson said.

Authors' Responses

Johnson expressed sympathy for the prize organizers, stating she has deep concerns about AI in creative industries, 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 usually have minimal involvement in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence 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,” the author explained, adding that unlike younger generations, she struggles to identify computer-created images.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she used AI to compose her work, which she categorically 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, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours crafting her book's art, which features a locomotive and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Position

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, said the organization takes a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence 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.

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

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence criteria was motivated by a desire to support the artistic and copyright rights 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.”

Industry Reflections

The publisher noted that publishing houses and authors often employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get little consideration during judging.

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

The use of AI in artistic sectors has encountered growing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations developing methods to address its impact.