After Gin Wigmore won the sixteenth edition with her song "Black Sheep", the contest flies to the southern hemisphere for the third time, this time in Auckland, New Zealand.

At the conclusion of the final, it was announced that with 335 points, New Zealand became the third country to win twice and the first country to win on two consecutive occasions.

TiBB Shapes Music

As the original logo for the contest returns with a standardised graphics package; a new permanent slogan would be created.

For all successive contests from this edition onwards, TiBB Shapes Music would be the permanent slogan.

Return of the Big 6

From this edition onwards, the Big 6 rule returns: the top 6 of the previous edition would automatically qualify. As the top 6 of the previous edition, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, and United States will automatically qualify for the final.

A History-making presenter

This edition, New Zealand broadcaster, journalist, and translator and interpreter of Maōri and English, Oriini Kaipara will present the contest. In 2019, she was the first person with a moko kauae facial tattoo to present mainstream television news.

Kia ora Auckland!

The TBU Reference Group on 24 March 2025 revealed that Spark Arena would become the third city in the Southern Hemisphere to play host of the contest. Combined with the arena's location in downtown Auckland, the bustling cityscapes, and its proximity to nearby hotels and the airport, Auckland was the prime choice for the contest's first outing to New Zealand. On 7, 12, 14 and 21 June, it will be the sixteenth city to play host to the TiBB Music Festival.