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Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.

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

Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.

People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures

This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being restored progressively.

Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.

Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.

Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.

Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.

Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.

Strike Action Amid Severe Weather

These intense gusts on today occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.

Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.

Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.

Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.