Intense gusts attaining speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 homes experiencing outages and forced officials to halt more than 100 air travel services, based on local media.
The gales are influencing the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing homes predominantly in the South Island, although agencies state that power was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, while trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the winds.
Within the capital, a man was killed after being hit by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a woman was blown onto moving cars on a street by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the city have been halted because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been called a "major walkout", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Comparable winds are impacting the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
