Severe gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
