Intense gusts attaining velocities of as high as 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 homes lacking electricity and led officials to halt over 100 flights, as reported by local media.
The winds are affecting the whole South Island and lower areas of the North Island, as stated by the national weather agency.
The nation's agencies have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones including these major districts.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, refrain from journeys, and make arrangements for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes mainly in the southern region, while authorities say that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have stated that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, while utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gales.
Across Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a falling limb at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Additionally in the city, a individual was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a event that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Flights entering and leaving the city have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas certain highways and community centers are shut down.
Simultaneously local leaders have issued a state of emergency, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Work Stoppages Alongside Harsh Conditions
The powerful gales on Thursday occur while tens of thousands of teachers, doctors and other public workers are engaged in what has been described as a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
But the severe conditions has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or abandoned.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for concern about forest fires.