Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
