Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
