Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and led agencies to call off more than 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
