Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting residences predominantly in the southern region, while authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
