Intense gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more utility disruptions.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mostly in the southern region, although authorities report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended because of the weather, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
