Powerful gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
