Intense gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
