Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
