Fierce Winds Leave Tens of Thousands In the Dark in the Island Nation
Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to cancel over 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.