Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
