Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and compelled agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
