Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
