Powerful gales hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to regional news sources.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and get ready for more utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing residences mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was blown onto moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been cancelled as a result of the winds, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the neighboring country, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
