Intense gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and compelled authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
