Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated 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 person was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
