Intense gusts attaining speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and southern sections of the northern region, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have issued rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional power and communication outages.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting residences mostly in the South Island, although agencies report that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in various locations roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Severe Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has pressured them to alter some of their plans, with several external protests moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, bringing a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Officials have announced fire bans for concern about bushfires.
