Intense winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and led officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
