Severe gales attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to cancel over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, though officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
