Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to call off over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted as a result of the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
