Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
