Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel over 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The gales are affecting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although authorities report that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the winds, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
