Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
