Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
