Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
