Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
