Powerful Winds Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation
Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on today coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
