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A pair of award-winning Kiwi authors have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literature prize due to the use of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Details

The author's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following thirty days because of recently introduced guidelines regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two books, the publisher, explained that the prize committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for all entered book would have already been finalized.

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

Authors' Reactions

The author expressed understanding for the award organizers, stating she has deep concerns about AI in artistic fields, 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.”

She added that authors usually have minimal involvement in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been employed 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 more tech-savvy generations, she struggles to identify AI-generated images.

Johnson worried that readers might assume she employed artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she categorically denied.

“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 publication's art, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the use of artificial intelligence in publications.”

“We do not make such a decision lightly, one that bars the newest works by two of New Zealand's most respected authors from the 2026 prize,” she stated.

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

The move to revise the AI guidelines was driven by a aim to support the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's writers and artists, she added.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher noted that publishing houses and authors regularly employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this incident underscored the pressing requirement for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both emphasized that covers receive minimal attention during judging.

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

The application of AI in creative fields has faced growing examination as the tech progresses, with some organizations creating ways to counter its influence.