Intense gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, though officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
