Intense gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been halted due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme 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 "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
