Severe winds attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, though officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
