Powerful gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting households mainly in the southern region, although agencies state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel to and from the urban area have been cancelled due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
