Swathes of New Zealand were pummeled by dangerous winds for the second time in a week on Thursday (October 23, 2025), with howling gales cancelling hundreds of flights, causing electricity blackouts and forcing school closures.
The gales were worst in the lower North Island, where the capital Wellington is located, and in parts of the South Island, including the city of Christchurch. The national forecaster MetService issued rare "red" wind warnings, the highest level of alert, for several regions.
No deaths or serious injuries were reported. When a different weather system battered the country on Monday, a Wellington man was struck and killed by a falling tree branch.
The havoc on Thursday also disrupted planned rallies for health and education workers in what was likely the country's biggest industrial walkout in decades. More than 100,000 workers represented by four unions walked off the job for four hours, after months of talks with the government about pay and conditions broke down.
Wind caused transport chaos
