Fierce Gales Leave Numerous Homes Without Power in the Island Nation
Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
