Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
