Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
