Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
