Intense winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
