Intense gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties without power and forced authorities to call off over 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended due to the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
