Severe winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the southern region, although agencies report that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights to and from the urban area have been halted due to the winds, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
