Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region 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 key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, while agencies say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas 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 frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
