Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel over 100 flights, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have released rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting households mainly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel to and from the city have been cancelled due to the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
