Powerful Gales Cause Numerous Homes Without Power in the Island Nation
Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
