Intense winds reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, although authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
