Powerful gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
