Intense gusts reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and compelled authorities to cancel over 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, though officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
