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Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.

The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.

The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.

People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.

Widespread Damage and Emergency Response

The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.

Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.

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

Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.

Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.

Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.

Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions

These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.

But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.

Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.

Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.