Powerful gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
