Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
