Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
