The Goethe-Institute has a global network of offices and is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It promotes international cultural cooperation and knowledge of the German language abroad.

Through a network of Goethe-Institutes, Goethe Centers, cultural societies and reading rooms, examination and language learning centers, they manage German cultural and educational policy abroad.

In New Zealand the Goethe-Institute is focused on cultural exchange on a professional level. Based in Wellington their cultural programmes are frequently organised in other regional centers, mainly Auckland, New Plymouth, Christchurch and Dunedin.