Powerful gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and led officials to halt over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
