Severe gales reaching velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and forced officials to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the complete South Island and southern parts of the North Island, according to the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the top caution category - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
People have been encouraged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for more electricity and network failures.
Broad Damage and Emergency Measures
This outage appears to be affecting homes predominantly in the South Island, while authorities state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been knocked down by the gusts.
Within the capital, a person was killed after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was blown onto moving cars on a street 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 city have been cancelled due to the weather, while certain highways and community centers are also closed.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday come as tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees are engaged in what has been described as a "significant labor action", requesting improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has compelled them to modify some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings shifted to interior venues or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, ushering in a high-temperature event to the remote areas.
Agencies have declared fire bans for apprehension regarding bushfires.
