The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that was signed in 1985 between several European countries. Its purpose was to eliminate border checks and controls between member states, allowing for the free movement of people, goods, and services within these countries. In recent years, this agreement has become a topic of interest in New Zealand, as citizens of the country have expressed an interest in the possibility of joining the Schengen Area.

New Zealand is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, but it is a popular destination for EU citizens and visitors. In 2019, over 500,000 visitors from the EU visited New Zealand, making up more than 10% of all international visitors to the country. Given the close relationship between New Zealand and Europe, it is understandable that people are curious about the possibility of joining the Schengen Area.

There are several benefits to New Zealand joining the Schengen Agreement. Firstly, it would make travel between New Zealand and Europe much easier and more convenient. Currently, Kiwis travelling to Europe need to apply for separate visas for each country they plan to visit, which can be time-consuming and expensive. By joining the Schengen Area, New Zealand citizens would be able to travel freely within member states without the need for separate visas.

Secondly, joining the Schengen Agreement would provide economic benefits to New Zealand by boosting tourism and trade. The Schengen Area is one of the world`s largest economies, and by becoming a part of it, New Zealand would be able to enjoy the benefits of increased trade and investment opportunities.

However, there are also challenges associated with New Zealand joining the Schengen Area. One major concern is that New Zealand`s entry requirements may not be in line with those of the Schengen Agreement. For instance, New Zealand has strict biosecurity measures in place to protect against pests and diseases, which may not be compatible with the free movement of goods and people within the Schengen Area.

Moreover, the current political climate in Europe has created an atmosphere of skepticism around the Schengen Agreement. Some countries have tightened their borders in response to the refugee crisis, and there are concerns about rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment. These factors may make it difficult for New Zealand to gain membership in the Schengen Area.

In conclusion, the debate around New Zealand joining the Schengen Agreement is a complex and nuanced one. While there are many benefits to becoming a member, there are also concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to join the Schengen Area is one that will need to be carefully weighed and considered by the New Zealand government and its citizens.