Severe winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
