Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
