Severe gusts attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
