Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
