Powerful gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
