Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
