Powerful gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
