Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
