Powerful gusts reaching speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to call off in excess of 100 air travel services, based on regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in key areas including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting households mostly in the southern region, while officials report that the electricity supply was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have stated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while utility poles and vegetation have been brought down by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being hit by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel to and from the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", requesting better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to change some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Authorities have declared flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
