Intense winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
