Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
