Intense gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
