Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 homes experiencing outages and led authorities to call off more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are influencing the complete southern region and lower areas of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has forced them to alter some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
