Powerful winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
