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October was the third windiest month in New Zealand in 18 years.
MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said 41 severe wind warnings were issued.
"The strongest gust we measured in October was 152km/h at Mount Kaukau, near Wellington on Tuesday 23.
"The winds of October were notable in their persistence, with several severe wind events affecting Southland, Wellington, and southern Hawke's Bay in quick succession, especially from the 14th to the 25th."
Intense anticyclones to the northwest of New Zealand and intense low pressure systems in the Southern Ocean were the main causes of the strong winds, Mr McDavitt said.
The windiest month was October 2006 with 57 warnings issued. The second was November 2006 with 45 warnings.
Public severe wind warnings began in 1989.
- NZPA
