Intense winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and led agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
