Powerful gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
