Intense winds hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
