Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 flights, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
