Powerful winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
