Severe winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
