Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes without power and led authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, while officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
