Intense gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
