Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mainly in the South Island, while officials state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the weather, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
