Powerful winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
