Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
