Severe gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
