Powerful winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
