Intense gales attaining velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued rare red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional utility disruptions.
Broad Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended because of the weather, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
