Intense gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
