Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
