Severe gusts reaching velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The gales are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, though agencies report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have indicated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a person was fatally injured after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been halted as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action During Severe Weather
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the extreme weather has compelled them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued flame prohibitions for concern about wildfires.
