Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
