Severe winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
