Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
