Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households without power and forced agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the intense climate has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
