Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
