Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
