Intense winds hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced authorities to halt more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the southern region, though officials state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been suspended due to the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
