Severe gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and compelled agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
These gusts are affecting the whole southern region and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones such as these major districts.
Locals have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a state of emergency, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
