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Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.

The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.

New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.

Broad Destruction and Crisis Response

This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.

Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.

Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.

Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.

Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.

Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.

Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions

The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.

However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.

Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.

Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.