Severe gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
