Powerful gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, though agencies say that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
