Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, although authorities say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
