Man killed by falling branch as severe weather hits New Zealand

Tuesday 21 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 11 reports · updated Tue 21 Oct 2025, 4:35pm

In this story MetService, Air New Zealand, Powerco

A man was killed by a falling branch in Mount Victoria, Wellington, as wild weather lashes the country. Severe winds and heavy rain have caused power outages for thousands, damaged homes, and disrupted flights and roads across the South Island and lower North Island.

How they headlined it

8:48am10:43am1:46pm4:18pm

1. 1NewsTue 21 Oct 2025, 8:48am

   Man killed by falling branch, roads closed as wild weather hits (opens in new tab)

   • Thousands without power as bad weather batters lower North Island (opens in new tab) Tue 21 Oct 2025, 8:48am
   • Live: Flights cancelled, roads closed as winds slam parts of NZ (opens in new tab) Tue 21 Oct 2025, 9:29am
   • Live: Air NZ pauses Wellington flights as high winds batter NZ (opens in new tab) Tue 21 Oct 2025, 9:29am
2. Otago Daily TimesTue 21 Oct 2025, 9:33am

   Wild weather: Flights delayed, thousands without power in lower North Island (opens in new tab)

   • South in spring weather firing line, again (opens in new tab) Tue 21 Oct 2025, 10:52am
3. The PostTue 21 Oct 2025, 10:43am

   Wellington flights suspended as strong wind hits lower North Island (opens in new tab)

4. StuffTue 21 Oct 2025, 10:52am

   In photos: Wild weather lashes the country (opens in new tab)

   • Wellington’s high winds just a taster for what’s to come (opens in new tab) Tue 21 Oct 2025, 4:18pm
5. RNZTue 21 Oct 2025, 1:46pm

   10,000 without power, schools and businesses close as wind slams Wairarapa (opens in new tab)

   • In pictures: Strong winds, heavy rain lashes Wellington and South Island (opens in new tab) Tue 21 Oct 2025, 4:35pm