Intense winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
