Powerful gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation 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 well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
