Powerful winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mainly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
