Severe gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and forced authorities to cancel over 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in key areas such as these major districts.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting households mainly in the South Island, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
