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Severe winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.

The winds are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.

New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.

Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.

Broad Impact and Crisis Measures

The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.

Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.

Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.

Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.

Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.

At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.

Labor Protests During Severe Conditions

The powerful gales on this day come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.

But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.

Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.

Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.