Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
