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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literature award because of the utilization of AI in designing their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

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 NZ$65,000 fiction prize in October, but were disqualified the next thirty days because of new guidelines regarding AI usage.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the prize organizers amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for every entered title would have already been finalized.

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

Authors' Responses

The author voiced understanding for the prize administrators, saying she has deep concerns about AI in artistic fields, but was disappointed by the decision.

“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.”

Johnson added that writers typically have little input in cover design and was unaware AI had been employed for her book cover, which features a feline with human-like teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” the author explained, adding that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to recognize AI-generated images.

The writer feared that the public might think she used AI to compose her book, which she emphatically 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 designers spent considerable time crafting her book's cover, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter the artist's figures.

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

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains 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,” Legat 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 criteria was motivated by a desire to protect the creative and intellectual property interests of the country's writers and illustrators, she explained.

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

Industry Reflections

The publisher noted that publishers and authors often employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this incident highlighted the pressing need for well-defined guidelines.

“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 sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs receive little consideration during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative fields has encountered growing scrutiny as the tech progresses, with some groups creating ways to address its influence.