Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
