Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
