Intense gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to cancel more than 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have announced infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the southern region, though officials say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the severe conditions has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
