Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are influencing the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
