Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
