Severe gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
