Intense winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
