Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
