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Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.

The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.

The nation's agencies have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.

Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.

Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures

The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being restored progressively.

Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.

In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.

Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.

Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.

Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.

Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather

These intense gusts on this day come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.

Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.

Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.

Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.