Severe gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
