Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
