Intense gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, though officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
