Severe gusts hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and compelled officials to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
