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A pair of acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's prestigious literature prize because of the use of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel prize in October, but were ruled out the following month due to new rules regarding AI usage.

The publisher of the two titles, the publisher, stated that the awards committee updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the covers for all entered book 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' Reactions

Johnson voiced understanding for the award administrators, stating she shares serious worries about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“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 input in cover artwork and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her 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 said, noting that unlike younger generations, she finds it difficult to recognize computer-created images.

Johnson feared that the public might assume she used artificial intelligence to write 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, Smither said that the designers devoted hours creating her publication's cover, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's figures.

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

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the prizes, said the trust takes a “firm stance on the use of AI in publications.”

“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,” she 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 driven by a desire to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the country's authors and artists, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

The publisher noted that publishers and authors regularly use software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the pressing requirement for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs receive minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has faced growing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations creating methods to counter its influence.