Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside 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", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued fire bans for fear of wildfires.
