Intense gales hitting speeds of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties experiencing outages and compelled agencies to call off in excess of 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
These gusts are impacting the whole South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to stay indoors, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, although authorities state that power was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been knocked down by the gales.
In Wellington, a man was lost his life after being hit by a falling limb at a popular trail walking spot on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a woman was swept into oncoming traffic on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been cancelled as a result of the gusts, while some roads and libraries are shut down.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have issued a crisis declaration, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday come as numerous of teachers, doctors and other public workers take part in what has been called a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
However the intense climate 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, ushering in a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have declared fire bans for fear of bushfires.
