Intense winds attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and forced officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the city have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
