Powerful gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
