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A pair of acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their books disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literary prize because of the utilization of AI in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Details

The author's story collection "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 ruled out the following month because of new guidelines regarding AI use.

The publisher of both books, the publisher, explained that the awards committee updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for all submitted book would have previously been finalized.

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

Writers' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the prize organizers, saying she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was let down by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she remarked. “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 further stated that writers usually have minimal input in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which features a cat with human-like dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson said, adding that unlike younger generations, she struggles to recognize computer-created images.

The writer feared that readers might assume she employed artificial intelligence 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, Smither said that the artists spent hours creating her book's cover, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the application of AI 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,” Legat said.

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

The decision to amend the AI criteria was motivated by a desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property 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.”

Industry Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors often use software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this incident underscored the urgent need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both stressed that covers receive little consideration during judging.

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” Smither said.

The application of AI in creative fields has encountered growing scrutiny as the technology progresses, with some organizations developing methods to address its impact.