Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to halt over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
