Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
