Powerful winds attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to call off in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern sections of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended as a result of the weather, whereas various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, causing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
