Severe winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
