Powerful winds hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
