Severe gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused around 90,000 households experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by local media.
These gusts are influencing the entire South Island and southern parts of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Extensive Impact and Emergency Measures
The power cut appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, although authorities say that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being impacted by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on earlier this week.
Additionally in the city, a female was swept into oncoming traffic on a thoroughfare by a powerful blast, in a moment that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Flights in and out of the urban area have been halted due to the winds, whereas some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Severe Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the severe conditions has pressured them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Authorities have announced fire bans for concern about forest fires.
