Fierce Gales Cause Tens of Thousands Without Power in the Island Nation
Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
