Powerful gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have released infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, though agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
