Severe gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and compelled authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
Officials in New Zealand have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in central regions including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Impact and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, although officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Regional news have stated that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for apprehension regarding wildfires.
