Powerful winds reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 properties without power and led authorities to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, though agencies report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
