Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
