Intense gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
