Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
