Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
