Powerful winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
