Intense winds reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
