Powerful winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch 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 powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
