Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, while officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, 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 to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
