Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
