Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt more than 100 flights, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Regional news have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
Yet the extreme weather has forced them to change some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have issued burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
