Severe gales attaining speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and led authorities to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the southern region, although officials say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the extreme weather has forced them to modify certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
