Intense winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
