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Severe gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by local media.

The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.

New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.

Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.

Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures

This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being restored progressively.

Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.

In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.

Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.

Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.

Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.

Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions

These intense gusts on this day come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.

But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.

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

Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.