Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
