Powerful gusts reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes without power and forced agencies to halt over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete southern region and southern parts of the northern region, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as these major districts.
Locals have been encouraged to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and prepare for further utility disruptions.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, while officials say that power was being restored progressively.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being hit by a falling limb 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 intensive burst, in a event that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended due to the weather, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests moved indoors or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for concern about wildfires.
