Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
