Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
