Powerful gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced authorities to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones including these major districts.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
