Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and compelled agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss seems to be impacting residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been cancelled due to the winds, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
