Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
