Severe winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
