Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, though authorities state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are not operating.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
