Severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and forced authorities to halt over 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced rare severe gust advisories - the most severe warning - in core zones including Canterbury and Wellington.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for further electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, though agencies say that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was pushed toward approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was recorded in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the winds, whereas various routes and public facilities are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a state of emergency, to facilitate emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday coincide with numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been termed a "mega strike", calling for higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
But the intense climate has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Similar gusts are also sweeping Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have issued burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
