Powerful gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households mainly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for concern about bushfires.
