Powerful gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to halt over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while officials report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
