Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
