Powerful winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
