Severe winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
