Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
