Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
