Severe gales hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
