Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
