Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
