Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
