Powerful gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The winds are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
