Intense gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to halt in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been cancelled due to the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued fire bans for concern about wildfires.
