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Two award-winning Kiwi authors have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in October, but were ruled out the following month due to recently introduced guidelines concerning artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of the two books, the publisher, explained that the awards committee updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which time the covers for every submitted 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.

Authors' Responses

The author voiced understanding for the award administrators, stating she has serious worries about artificial intelligence 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 minimal input in cover artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which displays 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 struggles to identify AI-generated images.

Johnson worried that the public might assume she employed artificial intelligence to write 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 statement, Smither said that the artists devoted hours crafting her book's art, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the trust maintains a “firm stance on the use of artificial intelligence in books.”

“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 stated.

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

The move to amend the AI criteria was motivated by a desire to protect the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's writers and artists, she added.

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

Publishing Reflections

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors often use software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the pressing 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 previously served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs get minimal attention during judging.

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

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has encountered increasing scrutiny as the tech advances, with some groups creating ways to address its influence.