Powerful gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
