Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households without power and led officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Response
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, although authorities state that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Local media have stated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a road by a intensive burst, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, and certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as many of teachers, doctors and other public workers are participating in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the extreme weather has compelled them to alter various scheduled activities, with some outdoor rallies moved indoors or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.