Severe gales reaching speeds of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households without power and forced officials to halt more than 100 aircraft departures, according to domestic outlets.
The gales are affecting the complete South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have released uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in central regions encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for more utility disruptions.
Broad Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage is primarily influencing homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities report that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, and utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a man was fatally injured after being struck by a tree branch at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into approaching vehicles on a street by a powerful blast, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Aircraft services to and from the urban area have been suspended due to the gusts, while various routes and public facilities are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have declared a emergency situation, to support disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been described as a "significant labor action", demanding higher wages and enhanced employment terms.
Yet the severe conditions has forced them to modify various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or abandoned.
Similar gusts are affecting the neighboring country, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have issued burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
