Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off over 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
