Intense gusts hitting speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt over 100 air travel services, according to local media.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Canterbury and Wellington.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, though authorities state that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being hit by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a woman was pushed toward oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the urban area have been halted due to the gusts, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the extreme weather has forced them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
