Intense gusts hitting velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led authorities to halt over 100 air travel services, as reported by regional news sources.
The winds are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have released rare severe gust advisories - the highest alert level - in key areas such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Response
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, although agencies report that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in various locations homes have lost their roofs, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the weather, while certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a state of emergency, to support recovery activities.
Labor Protests During Harsh Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with many of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the severe conditions has compelled them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the remote areas.
Officials have issued fire bans for concern about bushfires.
