Intense winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
