Intense gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties without power and led officials to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, while officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
