Severe gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
