Powerful gusts attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led officials to cancel in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are impacting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued rare severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Emergency Measures
The electricity loss is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the southern region, although officials state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, while trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
In Wellington, a individual was lost his life after being hit by a wooden fragment at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are not operating.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have announced a state of emergency, to assist recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while many of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has forced them to alter certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding bushfires.
