Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
