Literacy card to eliminate awkwardness

A new "literacy card" being launched next week is designed to remove awkward moments for illiterate New Zealanders.

Literacy Aotearoa will introduce the card as a way to help those who struggle with everyday literacy needs.

The card is the brainchild of Southland businessman Stephen Winteringham and will allow adults to seek help in a discreet manner.

Four out of 10 adults in New Zealand have trouble reading.

"This can be terribly embarrassing in a public situation for the adult and the person that they are communicating with. This card removes the awkward moments discreetly," a Literacy Aotearoa spokesman said.

Five thousand cards are being printed in both English and Te Reo Maori.

- NZPA