Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
