Powerful gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel more than 100 flights, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the southern region, while agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a emergency situation, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
