Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
