Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
