Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
