Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, although agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
