Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about forest fires.
