Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
