Powerful winds attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
