Powerful gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, while authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
