Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
