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Two acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their books excluded from consideration for the country's prestigious literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 fiction prize in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month because of recently introduced rules concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of both books, the publisher, stated that the awards committee amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the cover designs for every entered book would have already been completed.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the award administrators, saying she shares serious worries about AI in artistic 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.”

Johnson added that authors usually have little input in book design and was unaware AI had been employed for her cover, which displays a cat with human-like teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike more tech-savvy age groups, she finds it difficult to recognize computer-created images.

The writer worried that the public might assume she used AI to write her work, 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 comment, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists devoted hours creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist the artist's figures.

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

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the prizes, said the organization maintains a strong position on the use of artificial intelligence in publications.”

“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.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The move to amend the AI guidelines was driven by a desire to support the creative and intellectual property rights of the country's authors and illustrators, she explained.

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

Industry Considerations

Wilson noted that publishers and authors regularly employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation 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 Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers receive little attention during judging.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” the author said.

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has encountered growing examination as the technology progresses, with some groups developing ways to address its impact.