Powerful gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, though authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about wildfires.
