Severe winds reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
These gusts are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the city have been halted because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
