Intense gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting households predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have stated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto approaching vehicles on a road by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Strike Action During Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
