Severe gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led authorities to cancel in excess of 100 air travel services, according to regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, although officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been halted as a result of the winds, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for fear of wildfires.
