Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have stated that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted because of the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
