Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on this day come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
