Severe gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while 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.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
