🔗 Share this article Writers Eliminated from New Zealand's Premier Literary Prize Following AI Use in Cover Designs A pair of award-winning Kiwi authors have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literature award due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their cover art. Disqualification Particulars The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days because of recently introduced rules regarding AI use. The publishing house of the two books, the publisher, explained that the awards organizers updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the covers for all entered title would have already been completed. “It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” the publisher noted. Writers' Reactions The author expressed understanding for the award organizers, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in creative industries, but was disappointed by the decision. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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.” She added that writers usually have little involvement in book design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which features 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, adding that unlike more tech-savvy age groups, she struggles to identify computer-created images. Johnson feared that readers might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her work, which she emphatically did not do. “Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.” In a comment, Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours creating her book's cover, which includes a steam train and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist the artist's figures. “My primary concern is for the designers: their careful, detailed work … is not being respected,” she remarked. Prize Trust's Position Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the trust takes 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 stated. “However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.” The decision to amend the AI criteria was motivated by a desire to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the country'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 The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and authors often employ software like Grammarly and Photoshop, which incorporate AI, and this incident underscored the pressing requirement for well-defined policies. “Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.” Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers receive minimal attention during evaluation. “The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” the author concluded. The use of AI in creative fields has faced increasing examination as the tech advances, with some groups developing methods to address its influence.