Powerful gales attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are affecting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for more power and communication outages.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences predominantly in the South Island, though officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Local media have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a individual was blown onto oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as many of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been called a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are impacting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have issued fire bans for apprehension regarding wildfires.
