Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
