Severe winds reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 homes without power and forced authorities to call off in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage is primarily influencing households predominantly in the South Island, while officials say that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was blown onto oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a incident that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the metropolis have been halted because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to assist emergency management operations.
Strike Action Alongside Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to alter certain arrangements, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.
