Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
