Powerful Gales Cause Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation
Severe gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.