Severe gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, although agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many 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.
But the intense climate has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
