Powerful winds hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 air travel services, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are impacting the complete 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 most severe warning - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Response
The electricity loss appears to be affecting residences mainly in the South Island, while authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have indicated that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and trees and electricity poles have been knocked down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a individual was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a thoroughfare by a intensive burst, in a incident that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services to and from the metropolis have been cancelled because of the winds, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Amid Extreme Weather
These intense gusts on Thursday come as tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been termed a "significant labor action", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
However the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Like conditions are impacting the nearby nation, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Authorities have declared fire bans for fear of forest fires.
