Severe gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
