Intense gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
