Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led authorities to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, although officials state that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In 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 individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
