Intense gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led authorities to call off more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
