It's not that Rangi Tamati can't read…it's just that he doesn't.

He was a bit embarrassed to tell SunLive he's only read bits of one book this year.

Rangi Tamati reading in Red Square today.

'It's about Tom Cruise, but I can't remember the title.”

Rangi was unwittingly caught up in Tauranga City Libraries' Random Acts of Reading in Red Square today where locals gathered, sat and read en masse for an hour to promote adult literacy.

In a combined event with Literacy and Language Bay of Plenty and Altrusa International, about 70 people read from 12.30pm-1.30pm.

Organiser Daniel Petersen, from Tauranga City Libraries, says it's to raise awareness of adult literacy because it's a problem that can impact on a person's ability to actively engage meaningfully with other people.

It can also prevent people from securing a job, he says.

Rangi is smart and has a good job, but when he sat centre-stage on the throne of literacy with a latte and book today, he admitted he should read more.

'I am a regular reader of the Bible but perhaps I should try to finish the Tom Cruise book.”

Literacy and Language BOP teaches adults age 18 and above to read.

It's hoped today's event will encourage other people with reading difficulties to seek help to improve their quality of life.

Ben, 2, and Noah Robinson, 9 reading.

Tauranga City councillors and Mayor Stuart Crosby taking part.