Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
