🔗 Share this article

A pair of acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their books excluded from contention for the country's esteemed literature award due to the use of AI in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the following thirty days due to recently introduced guidelines concerning AI usage.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for all submitted book would have previously been finalized.

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

Writers' Responses

The author voiced understanding for the award administrators, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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 further stated that authors usually have minimal involvement in book artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which features 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 finds it difficult to recognize computer-created images.

The writer worried that the public 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 statement, Smither said that the artists spent considerable time crafting her publication's cover, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by painter the artist's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the organization takes a strong position on the use 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 stated.

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

The decision to amend the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and intellectual property interests of the nation's writers and illustrators, she added.

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

Industry Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishers and authors regularly use software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this situation highlighted the pressing need for well-defined guidelines.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have in the past been jurors for categories of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs get little attention during judging.

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

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