Intense gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes without power and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The gales are influencing the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, per the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, while officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for fear of bushfires.
