Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
