Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
