Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of bushfires.
