Powerful gusts reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, although authorities report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
