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Intense gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.

The winds are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.

Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.

Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.

Extensive Impact and Crisis Response

This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.

Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.

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

Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.

Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.

Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.

Strike Action During Harsh Conditions

The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.

However the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.

Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.

Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.