Severe gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
