Severe gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting homes mainly in the South Island, while agencies report that energy was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the metropolis have been suspended due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate recovery activities.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.