Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
