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

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 fiction award in October, but were disqualified the following month because of recently introduced guidelines regarding AI usage.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the awards committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for every entered title 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,” the publisher said.

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the prize administrators, saying she has serious worries about AI in artistic industries, but was let down by the ruling.

“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 further stated that writers usually have minimal input in book artwork and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which features a feline with human-like dentition.

“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, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

The writer feared that the public might think she employed artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she categorically did not do.

“Instead of talking about my book … and what the inspiration was, we are talking about bloody AI, which I hate.”

In a statement, Smither said that the artists devoted hours crafting her publication's art, which features a locomotive and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the book awards trust that oversees the Ockham awards, said the trust takes a “firm stance on the application of AI 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.

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

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and copyright interests of the nation's authors and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishers and authors regularly use tools like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the pressing requirement for carefully crafted policies.

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

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

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the tech progresses, with some organizations developing methods to counter its impact.