Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced agencies to call off more than 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
