Severe gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
