Powerful gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel more than 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced fire bans for fear of forest fires.
