Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
