Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
