Intense gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions including Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Response
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a moment that was captured in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
