Severe gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and led agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
