Powerful gusts hitting velocities of approximately 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in approximately 90,000 homes lacking electricity and forced agencies to halt in excess of 100 aircraft departures, based on local media.
The winds are affecting the complete South Island and southern sections of the North Island, as stated by the weather forecasting body.
The nation's agencies have announced uncommon severe gust advisories - the top caution category - in core zones encompassing these major districts.
Residents have been advised to remain inside, avoid travel, and get ready for further power and communication outages.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Response
The power cut seems to be impacting residences mostly in the South Island, though agencies state that the electricity supply was being restored progressively.
Local media have indicated that in some places homes have lost their roofs, while trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the winds.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being struck by a wooden fragment at a popular trail walking spot on earlier this week.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was swept into moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a moment that was captured in a widely shared car camera footage.
Air travel entering and leaving the urban area have been suspended because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
Meanwhile authorities in Canterbury have issued a emergency situation, to facilitate recovery activities.
Work Stoppages Amid Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday coincide with tens of thousands of educators, medical professionals and government employees take part in what has been called a "mega strike", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the intense climate has forced them to change some of their plans, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or abandoned.
Similar gusts are also sweeping the neighboring country, bringing a high-temperature event to the country's outback.
Agencies have announced burning restrictions for apprehension regarding forest fires.
