Severe gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
