Severe gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have released uncommon red wind warnings - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage seems to be impacting homes predominantly in the southern region, though officials report that power was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled due to the weather, whereas certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests During Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "significant labor action", calling for better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
