Powerful gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 households without power and compelled officials to call off over 100 flights, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for further electricity and network failures.
Broad Impact and Emergency Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, although agencies say that power was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
At the same time local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the intense climate has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Comparable winds are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
