Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
