Powerful Gales Leave Numerous Homes Without Power in the Island Nation
Intense gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
