Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
