New Zealand: Wild winds leave tens of thousands without power

Authorities have issued a rare red wind warning, the highest alert level, for the capital Wellington.

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

New Zealand authorities issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington earlier on Thursday, though they lifted them hours later.

In some places, roofs have reportedly been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down. A man in Wellington died after being struck by a tree branch.

People have been urged to stay indoors and avoid travel, and to prepare for further power and communication outages.