Powerful gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
