Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
