Powerful gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties without power and compelled authorities to call off more than 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the southern region, though agencies say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, causing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about forest fires.
