Powerful gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while authorities state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the winds, while various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Officials have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
