Intense gales reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced agencies to cancel over 100 flights, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, though officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been halted because of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
