Powerful gales attaining velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have caused nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and compelled agencies to cancel in excess of 100 flights, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the entire South Island and lower areas of the North Island, per the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for further power and communication outages.
Broad Destruction and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing residences predominantly in the South Island, though agencies state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have indicated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the winds.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being struck by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a woman was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a intensive burst, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the city have been cancelled because of the gusts, and various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile Canterbury officials have issued a crisis declaration, to support emergency management operations.
Strike Action Amid Extreme Conditions
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", requesting higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to change certain arrangements, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the nearby nation, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared burning restrictions for concern about bushfires.
