Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households predominantly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the winds, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests Alongside Extreme Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
