Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
