The strongest winds struck the lower North Island — home to the capital Wellington — and parts of the South Island, including Christchurch, prompting the national forecaster MetService to issue rare “red” wind warnings, its highest alert level, for multiple regions
More than 200 flights across New Zealand were cancelled on Thursday. Representational pic
Large parts of New Zealand were battered by dangerous winds for the second time in a week on Thursday, with powerful gusts forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights, widespread power outages, and school closures, news agency AP reported.
The strongest winds struck the lower North Island — home to the capital Wellington — and parts of the South Island, including Christchurch, prompting the national forecaster MetService to issue rare “red” wind warnings, its highest alert level, for multiple regions.
While no deaths or serious injuries were reported, authorities said the situation was severe. Earlier in the week, a Wellington man was killed by a falling tree branch when another storm system swept through the country, AP reported.
The storm also disrupted planned rallies by health and education workers, part of what was expected to be New Zealand’s largest industrial strike in decades. More than 1 lakh workers, represented by four major unions, walked off the job for four hours after talks with the government over pay and working conditions broke down.
Transport chaos as winds reach 230 km/h
More than 200 flights across New Zealand were cancelled on Thursday as parts of the country experienced winds of 140–160 km/h (87–100 mph), with gusts in some remote parts of the South Island reaching 230 km/h (143 mph), AP reported.
Tens of thousands of homes lost power, while fallen trees and debris caused extensive damage — tearing off roofs and even toppling shipping containers at Dunedin port. Several highways were closed, and flooding on the West Coast of South Island cut off access to some communities.
‘Mega strike’ rallies hit by weather
The wild weather forced the cancellation of several strike rallies planned by teachers, doctors, and nurses, though union leaders confirmed that workers were still on strike even where demonstrations were called off.
Thousands still marched in Auckland and Hamilton, while smaller rallies took place in towns less affected by the storm.
Hospitals and emergency departments remained open, but the national health agency urged the public to seek medical help only for emergencies. In Nelson, medical staff returned to work temporarily after high winds knocked out power at the local hospital.
Ministers of New Zealand’s centre-right coalition government had criticised the strike as “politically motivated”. However, union leaders rejected the claim, stating that similar actions had also taken place under the previous centre-left government.
Around half of the striking workers were teachers, while others included doctors, dentists, nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals. Their key demands included better pay, improved staffing levels, and safer working conditions.
The industrial action comes amid sharp government spending cuts and a surge in New Zealanders emigrating — particularly medical professionals moving to Australia, where salaries are higher and living costs lower.
Winds expected to ease Friday
By Thursday night, several major highways remained closed, and residents in parts of the South Island were on alert for potential river flooding. Authorities said the winds were expected to ease by Friday, but urged caution for travellers.
Fire and fireworks bans remained in place across much of the country as strong winds had fanned wildfires during both of this week’s storms. Firefighters were still struggling to contain several blazes by Thursday night.
Meteorologists noted that New Zealand’s southern latitude and mountainous terrain often combine to produce extreme weather events throughout the year.
(With AP inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
