Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
