Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
