Intense gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
