Intense gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
