Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
