Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
