Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
