Intense gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
