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Powerful gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.

The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.

The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.

Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Response

This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.

Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.

Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.

Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.

Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.

Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.

Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather

The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.

But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.

Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.

Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.