Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 households without power and led officials to call off over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled as a result of the weather, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
