Intense gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been suspended because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
