Severe gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
