Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
