Intense gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
