Powerful winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
