Hundreds of flights cancelled as 140mph winds hit New Zealand

Cars were damaged by a tree that fell during strong winds in Invercargill in the South Island - (Stuff)

New Zealand was plunged into chaos for the second time in a week as dangerous winds caused disruption on Thursday. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were closed, and electricity blackouts covered large parts of the country.

The capital, Wellington, located in the lower North Island, bore the brunt of the gales, alongside parts of the South Island, including Christchurch.