Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
