Severe winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
