Intense gales reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
