Powerful gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, while agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
