Powerful winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
