Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
