🔗 Share this article

A pair of acclaimed Kiwi writers have had their works excluded from contention for the nation's prestigious literature award due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 fiction award in October, but were disqualified the following thirty days due to recently introduced rules regarding AI usage.

The publishing house of both books, Quentin Wilson, stated that the awards committee updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for all entered title would have already been finalized.

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

Writers' Responses

The author expressed sympathy for the award organizers, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she remarked. “It’s my 22nd book, and it is my fourth collection of short stories. These stories … were written over a sort of 20 year period, so for me, it’s quite an important book.”

Johnson added that writers typically have little input in cover design and was did not know 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,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she struggles to recognize AI-generated images.

The writer feared that the public might think she used AI to write her book, which she emphatically 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 statement, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours creating her publication's art, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Stance

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, said the trust maintains a strong position on the application 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 said.

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

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence criteria was motivated by a aim to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the nation'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.”

Publishing Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors often use tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this incident highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for categories of the prizes, and both stressed that covers get little consideration during judging.

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

The application of AI in creative fields has faced increasing examination as the tech progresses, with some groups creating methods to counter its influence.