Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, though officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
