Powerful gusts reaching velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 households experiencing outages and forced authorities to cancel in excess of 100 flights, based on local media.
These gusts are affecting the entire southern region and lower areas of the northern region, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced rare high-level wind alerts - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Locals have been advised to avoid going outside, stay off roads, and make arrangements for additional electricity and network failures.
Widespread Damage and Crisis Response
This outage appears to be affecting homes mostly in the South Island, while agencies say that the electricity supply was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in some places structures have suffered roof damage, whereas trees and electricity poles have been toppled by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route 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 popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the urban area have been cancelled because of the weather, while some roads and libraries are not operating.
Meanwhile local leaders have declared a crisis declaration, to support recovery activities.
Strike Action During Extreme Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the extreme weather has pressured them to modify some of their plans, with some outdoor rallies shifted to interior venues or called off.
Comparable winds are also sweeping Australia, bringing a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced burning restrictions for fear of forest fires.
