Severe winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
