Intense gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties without power and led officials to halt in excess of 100 flights, according to local media.
These gusts are impacting the whole southern region and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being impacted by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted because of the weather, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has forced them to alter some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are impacting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
