Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities report that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted due to the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
