Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, although officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
