Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while officials state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
