Powerful gusts attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 households without power and led agencies to halt more than 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released infrequent severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, while agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was swept into oncoming traffic on a street by a intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, causing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
