Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
