'Literacy is something I'm passionate about, and always keen to support!” says Tauranga humanitarian Chloe Wright.

The declaration is timely. Today is International Literacy Day, and to celebrate, the Kids' Lit Quiz is announcing that it has a new patron: none other than Chloe.

Chloe Wright is the new patron of Kids' Lit Quiz, and today is International Literacy Day. Photo: Chris Callinan

KLQ is an annual, international literature quiz for 10- to 13-year-old students.

Its goal? Encouraging children to read more, and read widely.

There's no better fit than that.

The not-for-profit KLQ started in New Zealand, but is now held around the world – in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and USA – and founder Wayne Mills says it's an honour that Chloe has agreed to become a patron.

'It's timely to announce this on International Literacy Day, because Chloe is a huge advocate for literacy in New Zealand.

'She has a great interest in children, a passion for New Zealand, and a love of literature; the Kids' Lit Quiz fits perfectly with her values.”

Chloe is the co-founder of the Wright Family Foundation, and, despite her impressive record, says she was humbled when Wayne asked her to be the event's patron.

'The Kids' Lit Quiz is something I would have loved when I was a child, and I love the fact that it's fostering a passion for reading.

'I wholeheartedly respect and admire the work Wayne does with this event, and am thrilled to be involved.

'A love of reading and a vivid imagination opens the door to education and possibilities.”

While it's gone global in recent years, the 2016 KLQ World Final was able to be held in New Zealand due to support from Chloe and the WFF.

Their sponsorship paid for accommodation, meals, and educational excursions around Auckland, for KLQ competitors from the participating eight countries, says Wayne Mills.

'Without the support of Chloe and the Wright Family Foundation, the World Final wouldn't have happened in New Zealand.

'[Their] generosity, sponsorship and patronage [meant] we were able to bring together these like-minded kids from all over the world and give them a life-changing experience. It was fabulous to see these ‘bookish' kids bond instantly over the love for reading.

'Chloe is totally hands-on with her support, and puts her heart and soul into it – she is there with the kids, talking to them about their favourite books and authors.”

Other organisations to benefit from the WFF include Plunket, New Zealand Spelling Bee, Graeme Dingle Foundation, and House of Science.

'Education is at the heart of everything we do,” says Chloe. 'We want to actively encourage others to unleash their potential through education in various forms.

'Our objective is to improve the wellbeing of all Kiwis and their communities through education.”

For more information about the Kids' Lit Quiz visit: www.kidslitquiz.com