Powerful winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
