Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
