Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
