Powerful winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, while agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
