Powerful winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
