Severe winds hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
