Fierce Gales Cause Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation
Intense winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
