Archive · 18 Nov 2025
New Zealand Book Awards: AI-Generated Cover Art Sparks Controversy
Two books in New Zealand's top book awards were disqualified because their covers were made by a computer using artificial intelligence.
This made some people sad and started a discussion about whether computers should be allowed to help make art.
AI-generated cover art led to two books being disqualified from New Zealand's top book awards
The decision was made due to a rule change that prohibits computer-generated work
Authors and the awards' chief executive expressed disappointment and confusion
The ruling has sparked debate about the role of AI in creative industries
The disqualified books were 'The Sound of Breaking Glass' by Lily Holloway and 'The Echo Chamber' by Jack Remiel
- Who
- Lily Holloway and Jack Remiel (authors), Louisa Afoa (New Zealand Book Awards Trust chair)
- What
- Disqualified books from New Zealand Book Awards due to AI-generated cover art
- When
- Recently
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- Rule change prohibiting computer-generated work
Pro-AI in Art
Traditional Art Advocates
AI's Role
Pro-AI in Art
AI can be a tool for creativity and expression
Traditional Art Advocates
AI-generated art devalues human creativity
- Award
- New Zealand Book Awards
- Disqualified Books
- The Sound of Breaking Glass by Lily Holloway, The Echo Chamber by Jack Remiel
- Reason for Disqualification
- AI-generated cover art