Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
