Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
