Intense winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
