Overview
- Elizabeth Smither’s Angel Train and Stephanie Johnson’s Obligate Carnivore were removed from contention for the Ockham fiction award, which carries the NZ$65,000 Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize.
- A bookseller raised concerns about the cover art, and publisher Quentin Wilson confirmed AI was used after the titles were submitted in October and ruled ineligible in November.
- Wilson says the AI clause was amended in August, after covers had been produced, arguing the timing made compliance impractical for publishers.
- Both authors say they had little to no involvement in cover design and were unaware AI tools were used, expressing concern about reputational spillover to their writing.
- The New Zealand Book Awards Trust says the rules follow sector consultation and apply equally to all entrants, and it may refine them as similar restrictions roll out to the 2026 children’s awards.