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Two award-winning New Zealand writers have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's prestigious literature award because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the next thirty days because of recently introduced rules concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards committee amended the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for every entered 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 said.

Writers' Responses

Johnson voiced sympathy for the prize administrators, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed 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 added that writers usually have minimal input in cover artwork and was did not know AI had been employed for her cover, which features a cat 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, noting that unlike younger generations, she finds it difficult to identify AI-generated images.

The writer feared that readers might think she used AI to write her book, 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 comment, Smither expressed that the designers devoted considerable time creating her book's art, which includes a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist the artist's figures.

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

Award Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the trust takes a “firm stance on the use 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 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 artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a desire to support the artistic and copyright rights of the country's writers and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Reflections

Wilson pointed out that publishers and authors often employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this situation underscored the urgent need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past been jurors for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get minimal consideration during evaluation.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” the author concluded.

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has faced growing scrutiny as the tech advances, with some organizations creating ways to address its influence.