Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and led agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
