Intense gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
