Intense winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled agencies to call off more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
