Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and compelled authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
