Intense gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as these major districts.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
