Intense gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in key areas encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended because of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
