Severe gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
