Intense winds attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mainly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights to and from the metropolis have been suspended due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
