Severe winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
