Severe gusts hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 properties without power and forced officials to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are influencing the complete South Island and southern parts of the northern region, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon high-level wind alerts - the most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to remain inside, stay off roads, and prepare for more power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though officials say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been halted due to the winds, and some roads and libraries are shut down.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been termed a "significant labor action", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with several external protests shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Comparable winds are affecting the neighboring country, causing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared burning restrictions for concern about wildfires.
