Powerful gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the southern region, while officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
