Severe gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
