Severe gales attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to halt over 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been urged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
This outage is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the southern region, although officials report that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was fatally injured after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights in and out of the city have been halted because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting the nearby nation, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding forest fires.
