Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
