Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for concern about forest fires.
