Intense gales hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and led officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Like conditions are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
