Powerful Gales Leave Numerous Homes In the Dark in the Island Nation
Powerful gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, although officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path 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.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.