Powerful winds hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been halted due to the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for fear of bushfires.
