Powerful winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
