Intense gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
