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Intense winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.

The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.

Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.

Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.

Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures

This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.

Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.

In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.

Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.

Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.

Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.

Strike Action Amid Severe Weather

These intense gusts on this day coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.

However the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.

Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.

Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.