Intense gales reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and compelled officials to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the South Island, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
