Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled authorities to call off over 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in core zones encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing households mostly in the South Island, though authorities say that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been toppled by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
