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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works excluded from contention for the country's prestigious literature prize because of the use of AI in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 fiction prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month because of new guidelines concerning AI use.

The publishing house of both books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards organizers updated the guidelines in August, by which point the cover designs for all submitted book 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' Responses

The author voiced understanding for the award 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. “It’s my 22nd book, and it is my fourth collection of short stories. These stories … were written over a sort of 20 year period, so for me, it’s quite an important book.”

Johnson added that writers usually have minimal involvement in book artwork and was did not know AI had been used for her cover, which features a cat with human-like 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 said, adding that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson feared 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, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her publication's art, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust takes a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence 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 decision to revise the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to support the artistic and copyright rights of the country's writers and illustrators, she added.

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

Publishing Reflections

The publisher noted that publishers and writers often employ tools like grammar checkers 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 Stephanie Johnson have previously been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get minimal attention during judging.

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

The application of AI in creative fields has faced increasing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some groups creating ways to counter its impact.