Severe winds attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting households mainly in the southern region, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
