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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their works excluded from contention for the country's esteemed literature prize because of the utilization of AI in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next thirty days due to new guidelines concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, stated that the awards organizers amended the guidelines in August, by which time the covers for every 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.

Authors' Reactions

Johnson expressed understanding for the award organizers, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic industries, but was let down by the ruling.

“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.”

She added that authors typically have little involvement in cover design and was unaware AI had been employed for her cover, which displays a cat with human 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 explained, noting that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize AI-generated images.

The writer worried that readers might think she used artificial intelligence to write her work, which she emphatically denied.

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

In a comment, Smither said that the designers devoted considerable time crafting her publication's art, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, said the organization takes a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence 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 stated.

“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 driven by a aim to protect the artistic and intellectual property 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.”

Industry Considerations

The publisher noted that publishers and authors often employ software like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent requirement for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both stressed that cover designs get little attention during judging.

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

The use of AI in creative fields has encountered growing examination as the tech progresses, with some groups developing ways to counter its influence.