Severe winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled because of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for fear of forest fires.
