Severe gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, though authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
